Steve Mbogo has come out to explain his presence at 14 Riverside Drive in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon during a suspected terrorist attack.
The former Starehe parliamentary aspirant was pictured at the scene armed with a sophisticated assault rifle and a bulletproof vest. This raised eyebrows among internet users who wondered what role the controversial businessman was playing in the multi-agencies rescue operation.
According to Steve Mbogo, he went to the terror front as a “licensed firearms holder, who was willing to help”.
“I am a licensed firearms holder. I was running my errands near the dusitD2 Hotel here in Nairobi when I learnt that the facility was under a terror attack,” said Mbogo.
“Because I was in a position to help, given I have good knowledge on how to handle firearms and protect myself against such situations, I went in to help in the rescue operations. If you are asking in what capacity I was there, I would tell you: I was there as a civilian, who is mandated by law to handle firearms.”
When pressed to explain if he drives around with automated rifles, Mbogo said: “Such questions are not relevant as of now.”
Mbogo was also put to task to explain the circumstances in which he owns a flak jacket, which according to Kenyan law, is nearly impossible for a civilian to possess.
In his response, Steve Mbogo said: “I am still occupied with rescue operations. Let me take cover and then I will speak to you later.”
On social media, internet users shared mixed opinions about Steve Mbogo, with some labeling him a ‘Slay King’ who was only out to show off his firearm. Others praised him for risking his life.
We have sampled some reactions.
Hon Steve mbogo out and ready to help I love your courage #Nairobi pic.twitter.com/VqxiPE8Pfj
— Atunga Hazard (@AtungaHazard) January 15, 2019
Led by Steve Mbogo from Keyboard Defense Forces, QWERTY Battallion, Slay King Division arrived armed to teeth ? #RiverSideAttack pic.twitter.com/D2ZnbxwTNd
— Chris (@Ngaruthi) January 15, 2019
Under whose command was Steve Mbogo at the Riverside Drive Attack? Inspecta Mwala?
Someone tell that wannabe millionaire to calm his balls. Arudi nyumbani achunge bibi yake before his driver drops PART 2 of a certain story. ? pic.twitter.com/vVGZj08Ekc
— Le Presidente’ (@AtGuru001) January 15, 2019
Steve Mbogo just there to show off his gun collection. High calibre weapons na sijui nani alimpatia license. pic.twitter.com/Eo4Qp03RNN
— Kenyan ◢◤ (@MisterAlbie) January 15, 2019
It’s absolutely pointless to hate on Steve Mbogo. It was his choice to show up not yours.For those who may not know. As a licensed gun owner,you have the obligation to help those in need if you choose to. Besides,if this was someone we didn’t know doing this we would praise them. pic.twitter.com/kHFVRNOmAM
— Chito Ndhlovu (@ThisisCHITO) January 15, 2019
Steve Mbogo was at the scene for show off.
— Karani Mutonga (@Karanimutonga) January 15, 2019
Is that Steve Mbogo with what appears to be an automatic weapon pretending to be assisting the police?
Is it even legal for a civilian to be in possession of automatic weapons? pic.twitter.com/BA2gjXhabu
— Ivar The Boneless (@roomthinker) January 15, 2019
#Nairobi People are quick to judge Steve Mbogo yet he is trying to help…. He might have saved a life and we don’t know!! I fully support him.. #RiversideAttack
— Prince Mandila (@prince8191) January 15, 2019
