NAIROBI, Kenya — Court of Appeal Judge Justice Aggrey Muchelule has recorded a statement with detectives investigating the disappearance of his licensed firearm, which was later recovered from a suspect linked to the high-profile robbery at Chaiiwala Café in Westlands.
The Beretta pistol was recovered after police fatally shot suspected armed robber Vincent Ochieng during an operation in Joska, Machakos County, prompting investigators to launch inquiries into how the judge’s firearm ended up in the suspect’s possession.
Police have so far recorded statements from six people, including Justice Muchelule, members of his family and domestic staff, as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the judge’s statement, he only became aware that the firearm was missing after detectives contacted him on Tuesday to inform him it had been recovered during the police operation.
Justice Muchelule reportedly told investigators that he had last checked on the pistol in October 2025 while preparing to renew his firearm licence but did not complete the renewal process due to work commitments.
The revelation has raised questions about why the disappearance of the firearm was not reported earlier.
Legal Obligations for Firearm Owners
Under Kenya’s Firearms Act, licensed civilian firearm holders are required to securely store their weapons in a metal safe or lockable storage box approved during inspection by the police.
The law also requires firearm owners to immediately report the loss or theft of a firearm to the nearest police station.
Failure to report a lost firearm constitutes an offence punishable by a fine of up to Sh10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.
Authorities also require civilian firearm licence holders to renew their licences annually. Failure to renew attracts a penalty of Sh500 per day and may lead to revocation of the firearm licence.
How Firearm Licensing Works in Kenya
The process of acquiring a civilian firearm licence begins with an application submitted through the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in the applicant’s area.
Applications undergo multiple layers of scrutiny involving local police, sub-county security committees, regional security offices and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) before being considered by the Firearms Licensing Board, which makes the final decision.
Applicants are also required to undergo medical assessments confirming they are mentally and physically fit to possess a firearm.
Investigators additionally assess the applicant’s occupation, security needs, financial status and other supporting documentation before a firearm certificate can be issued.
Depending on the complexity of the application, the licensing process can take anywhere from one month to three years.
Police have not yet disclosed how Justice Muchelule’s firearm left his residence or how it came into the possession of the robbery suspect. Investigations remain ongoing.