Imanyara says more threats made on him

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara on Tuesday made fresh claims of threats against his life.

The claims came as it emerged that despite an undertaking to Parliament five months ago, the government has not provided additional security to MPs who have reported being threatened.

And in a startling admission, Internal Security minister George Saitoti said his officers could be misleading him on aspects of security, including provision of more protection to those claiming to be in danger.

At least five MPs have reported receiving threats to their lives this year.

This is the third time Mr Imanyara is claiming that he has received threats.

In June, he tabled a letter in Parliament that claimed an 18-member Kwekwe hit squad had been assigned to assassinate him, Ikolomani MP Dr Boni Khalwale, former cabinet minister Martha Karua and Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu.

Also said to be targets were former MPs Paul Muite and G.G. Kariuki and political activist Mary Wambui.

Mungiki leader

When the matter was debated in the House in June, the Speaker directed the Internal Security ministry beef up security for the named MPs.

Early this month, Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru also claimed her life was in danger and recorded a statement with police. This followed the admission of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga to her Jesus is Alive Ministry after his release from jail.

Ms Karua on Tuesday told the House that her security had not been beefed up despite the Speaker’s order. “The minister had not taken the threats seriously,” she said.

Prof Saitoti expressed surprise that nothing had been done months after he directed police to ensure security was boosted for the affected MPs.

“I will immediately talk to the Police Commissioner and find out why exactly this has not been done because I do not take it lightly … the security of MPs is very serious,” he said, promising to inform the House of his findings on Wednesday.

He also expressed surprise at claims that the Kwekwe squad was still operational, saying he had given orders that it be disbanded and had been assured that this had been done.

“I don’t like to be misguided and if I find out that is not the case, then I will have to take stern action,” he warned.

In the latest incident, Mr Imanyara claims that his personal assistant received a text message asking him “why he was working with someone whose days were numbered?”

The sender reportedly told the PA to warn him “he was not going to go far.”

Mr Imanyara said he instructed his assistant, who was on the way from Gichugu, to take a taxi and together they filed a police report.

The MP claimed that after filing the report, he received seven anonymous calls telling him he was wasting his time.

“This is not the first time I have complained in the House and no action has been taken despite assurances. Are they waiting until we are killed before they start investigating?”

Dr Khalwale accused the government of inaction on the issue. “It is quite clear that police are dragging their feet in pursuing the source of the threats,” he said.

He said the minister should immediately order the Police Commissioner to identify to Parliament the owner of the line used to send the threat.

“Unless we want a commission of inquiry to be set up to investigate the death of Mr Imanyara,” he said.

Mr Waititu claimed the Kwekwe squad had “resumed work” despite assurances by the minister to the contrary.

He said some youths had vanished in his constituency three weeks ago and fingers were being pointed at the Kwekwe squad.