National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi Warns MPs against Carrying Guns to Parliament Chambers

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has warned Members of Parliament against carrying their guns into the Parliament Chambers.

Muturi said that the MPs will not be allowed to carry their weapons to the house as part of one stringent measures to ensure safety to members, and warned MPs against violating the rule.

The caution comes a day after Starehe MP Charles Njagua alias "Jaguar" and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino were involved in a physical confrontation at the Parliament media center.

The speaker has also ordered the Safety and Security department of Parliament to ensure thorough security checks for everyone before they are allowed to enter the precincts of Parliament.

“I wish to draw the attention of the House to concerns that have been raised with regard to the security and safety of members within the precincts of Parliament. Standing Orders numbers 99, 100 and 101 are explicit on maintenance of security and handling of firearms and other offensive weapons in the House,” he said.

“The provisions of these Standing Orders are also echoed in the National Assembly Speaker’s Rules, which are regulations for the conduct of members in the House and orders regulating admission and conduct of visitors within the precincts of Parliament.”

Muturi called on MPs to cooperate with with security officials mandated with ensuring that the parliament is safe for all members.

“These officers are also mandated to conduct stringent screening of members’ vehicles, before allowing access,” he said.