'I'm not a terrorist': Laban Cliff Onserio opens up about what happened on day of arrest over possession of 'grenade'

Speaking on The Social Newsroom show this week, Onserio kept it short and said, “I had an altercation, the thing was sorted out and I can confirm to you that I’m not a terrorist.”

He insisted that what he was in possession of was not a grenade.

“It was a device… I don’t know how to put it, but it was given to me as a souvenir… it was not anything that was going to be lethal,” Onserio said.

He went on to deny ever threatening to use the device to attack security guards at the church where he had parked his car, saying that he was hurt by the version of the story when it came out.

“At the heart of hearts, it made me (the church), so when friends write that you wanted to blow the church…it hurt me.”

Onserio continued, “It’s unfortunate the incident was received the way it was. I am not anyone I was described to be. I’m a legit, hardworking Kenyan who is just trying to go out there and make a living,” he said.

Onserio went on to say that he has learnt lessons from the incident.

“The last couple of months have been about self discovery. You should see what’s coming up soon in new frontiers - travelling to the UK, US, speaking engagements…”

Onserio went on to say that he stepped down as chief of staff at Standard Group Ltd and is now working as a freelance business executive.

The court allowed the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to withdraw the charges against Onserio in February.

This was after an application was made before the court to have the matter withdrawn on grounds that there was no sufficient evidence to charge him.

Onserio was arrested by detectives from the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) on Sunday, December 18 2022, and was said to be in possession of a grenade, allegedly threatening to use it to attack security guards.

He was arrested at the Holy Family Basilica basement by detectives who were called in by the church’s security guards after an altercation.

It is said that Onserio, who formerly served as Deputy Communications Director at State House’s Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), had gone to pick up his car at the cathedral’s commercial parking lot.

During the quarrel, the guards called detectives who conducted a search on Onserio’s car, where they allegedly found a stun grenade.

He was then presented before the anti-terror court and the police were ordered to release him if they do not prefer charges against him.