Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NCIC: Reports of tension over Raila murder plot


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National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said April 10, 2012 that there were credible reports of tension between the Luo and Kisii communities in Kisumu following allegations of a plot to kill Prime Minister Raila Odinga. FILE
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said April 10, 2012 that there were credible reports of tension between the Luo and Kisii communities in Kisumu following allegations of a plot to kill Prime Minister Raila Odinga. FILE  
By BENJAMIN MUINDI, bmuindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Tuesday, April 10  2012 at  17:14
Kenya's cohesion body has said there are credible reports of tension between the Luo and Kisii communities in Kisumu following allegations of a plot to kill Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia Tuesday censured Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo for making remarks over an alleged plot to assassinate Mr Odinga in public.
“Mr Midiwo should have reported the matter to the police and allowed them to investigate to its logical conclusion,” Mr Kibunjia said at during a news conference in Nairobi.
“The Commission has received credible reports regarding tensions mounting between the Luo and Kisii communities following the statement made by Mr Midiwo.”
On Saturday, Mr Midiwo alleged mercenaries had been hired to execute the plot saying senior government officials he did not name were in the loop.
On Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed the police to open investigations into the sensational claims.
In a letter to Commissioner Mathew Iteere, DPP Keriako Tobiko directed the police to interrogate and record statements from Mr Midiwo and Foreign Affairs minister Sam Ongeri.
"The gravity and magnitude of the allegations by Hon Modiwo, particularly during this period when the country is preparing for the next general election, cannot be over-emphasised.
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"These allegations therefore require a prompt, thorough and speedy investigation to establish their veracity or otherwise," said the letter.
The NCIC chairman said Mr Midiwo's allegations were grave.
“The statement by Mr Midiwo whether true or not is of a serious nature and serious attention needs to be given to it,” Mr Kibunjia said.
But he urged the two communities not to be drawn into a war that was not theirs and that they should exist peacefully and put their country first.
The Commission, he said, has written a notice to the MP requiring him to keep peace and guard against language likely to inflame communal tension.
“Leaders need to be alive to the fact that statements they make can inflame passions, incite and cause tension and even violent conflicts between ethnic communities.”
He added that the he had alerted the police to watch out “for further utterances on the matter that would further serve to interfere with the cohesion of this country.”
“The two principals also have a duty to continue holding the country together as they have done in the last four years.”
Mr Kibunjia said this responsibility is greater now more than ever "considering that our politics are tribal, regional and that ethnic interest not ideologies drive Kenyan campaigns”.
“We are coming out very strongly because it is our determination to break the jinx of violence in the General Election.”

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