Ken Lugwili, a firearms dealer who was arrested in connection with 22 firearms and 565 rounds of ammunition, has been released on a Ksh.300,000 cash bail after being arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu.

The prosecution was seeking to detain him for five days to allow for the completion of investigations into the matter.

Chief Magistrate Diana Mochache however ruled on Friday that the prosecution had not demonstrated how the accused would interfere with forensic investigations.

In her ruling, the magistrate directed that the accused avail himself to the investigating officers when required.

“He shall report to the Investigating Officer as and when directed and not more than twice a week,” stated the court.

On Thursday, Lugwili who was arrested by the anti-terror police unit on Wednesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Diana Mochache but did not face any charges after the prosecution side filed a miscellaneous application seeking to detain him for five days to complete investigations.

The prosecution side told the court that they will seek to determine whether Lugwili is a licensed civilian firearm holder, whether his two companies SILKEN security firm and VIC Technology Limited are licensed to deal in firearms and whether the recovered firearms are registered with the Firearms Licensing Board.

The Anti-terror police unit also wants to analyze his phones to probe the communication between Lugwili and other persons as they believe he could be having connections to some organized criminal groups or terror groups.

The police also want Lugwili’s financial records to determine whether there are any links between him and gun smugglers or terror networks.

Lugwili’s lawyers Simon Mburu and Anthony Kogo pushed for his release on cash bail arguing he is not a flight risk, has cooperated with the authorities, and is in need of medical attention as he suffers from diabetes and hypertension.

The case will be mentioned on July 7.