Private investigator Jane Mugo has sparked heated debate online after videos and photos emerged showing her holding a licensed shotgun while confronting suspected goons who allegedly attempted to torch businesses at the Uchumi Hyper Mall in Lang’ata, where China Square operates.
According to Mugo, she stepped in after learning that a group of suspected criminals was planning to set the premises ablaze during the unrest.
In the now-viral footage, she is seen carrying what she says is a legally licensed shotgun while helping deter the suspects from causing destruction.
Explaining her actions, Mugo maintained that she was protecting businesses and livelihoods, insisting that the firearm she carried was lawfully licensed.
“My biggest crime was to stop goons from burning Uchumi and China Square Langata. You can carry a shotgun publicly that is licensed but not an AK or rifle. Some criminals. Cartels. Few rogue is using goons to oppress, misuse power office,” Jane Mugo wrote.
The outspoken private investigator argued that she had become a target of criticism simply because she intervened to prevent destruction of private property.
She further alleged that criminal cartels and rogue individuals were exploiting gangs to intimidate innocent Kenyans and destabilize businesses.
The dramatic scenes captured in the circulating videos showed heightened tension around the shopping complex as people attempted to secure the area amid fears of arson and looting.
Mugo’s decision to openly display her shotgun quickly became one of the most talked-about moments on social media, with Kenyans sharply divided over her actions.
While some praised her for standing up against criminal elements and protecting businesses from being destroyed, others questioned whether civilians should publicly brandish firearms during such volatile situations.
China Square has become one of Kenya’s most prominent retail chains since entering the local market, attracting thousands of shoppers with its competitively priced household goods and electronics.
The retailer’s Lang’ata outlet operates from the former Uchumi Hyper premises following a major lease agreement that marked another chapter in Uchumi’s restructuring efforts.
The incident also comes at a time when Kenya has witnessed repeated concerns over the use of hired goons during politically charged demonstrations and public unrest.
Leaders across the political divide have repeatedly condemned the use of criminal gangs to infiltrate protests, intimidate opponents, vandalize property and loot businesses.
As the videos continue to circulate online, Jane Mugo has remained unapologetic, insisting that her only objective was to prevent businesses from going up in flames and to protect innocent traders from suffering losses.
Her bold declaration has since ignited fresh conversations about civilian firearm ownership, self-defense, private security, and the growing challenge of criminal gangs targeting businesses during periods of unrest.
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