Busia County Commissioner Michael Ole Tialal during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Busia County Stadium, December 12, 2017. [Photo|Busia County Government]Busia County Commissioner Michael Ole Tialal has sent a warning to County residents to be wary of some conmen using his name demanding money from businessmen allegedly in exchange for guns to defend themselves.Addressing the press in his office on Wednesday, the County Commissioner said he was stunned on Wednesday to receive a delegation from businessmen who wanted to know whether he was the one who was communicating to them on phone concerning plans to arm them with guns at a fee.Ole Tialal regretted that the people masquerading as the County Commissioner had already conned some businessmen with one trader parting with Sh13,500 to secure the gun to defend himself and his business."I deny categorically that it is not me Ole Tialal who has been calling traders with the aim of arming them. The government has responsibility to ensure lives of its citizens are protected. Police have enough guns to guard its citizens," he said.The law allows individuals to own guns but there are procedures to be followed. A person in need of a gun applies to the Officer Commanding Station. The letter is sent to the OCPD who in turns forwards it to the County Security Committee.The committee will then summon the person in need of the gun to interrogate him or her whether he or deserves the gun or not. The recommendations are then sent to Nairobi where they also curry investigations before issuing the gun," he said.Ole Tialal said most businessmen have his phone number. "It is always good to cross check any information they feel is not authentic to avoid people taking advantage of their innocence to con them."The County Commissioner said they have launched investigations into the incident and assured Busia residents that no stone will be left unturned until the conmen have been nabbed."We have got nothing to hide. I am assuring all County residents that there are no plans to give guns to any businessmen. It is your own prerogative to acquire one by following the laid down procedures," he said.

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