This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
On August 18, 2019, a social media frenzy led to the arrest of DJ Moh Spice, a popular reggae deejay, for displaying a pistol tucked under his belt. However, the Chairman of the National Gun Owners Association of Kenya, Anthony Wahome, has come to the deejay's defense.
According to Mr. Wahome, the incident was 'overhyped' by Kenyans on social media, prompting police to arrest the deejay for something he did not do intentionally. He explained that DJ Moh Spice was not brandishing the gun but it was the action of outstretching his hand to hold a glass at DJ Kym Nickdee's mouth that exposed his concealed firearm.
‘In the case of the deejay I think the issue was overhyped by Kenyans online. He was not intentionally displaying the weapon or brandishing it. It’s because his shirt went up and it was revealed. And I am surprised that the DCI says that it is upon us to determine what should be done to him,’ said Mr. Wahome.
The National Gun Owners Association of Kenya has internal self-regulatory mechanisms guided by its constitution. However, not all gun holders are members of the association. If a member comes at their shooting range and behaves unethically or uses their firearm carelessly, then they take action. But over and above, if the person commits a criminal act, then the law of the land will take effect.
Following the incident, DJ Moh Spice was arrested and his firearm and ammunition confiscated. However, the DJ was later released on police bond with no criminal charges, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) saying that he had no case to answer on accusation of firearm licensing.
