MPs want details of cleric's killing made public

Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale is among MPs who want the details of Mombasa-based cleric Aboud Rogo's killing revealed to the public August 28, 2012

What you need to know:

  • MPs said the killing and the consequent riots had cast a dark shadow on the stability of the nation.

  • Legislators shocked that no arrests have been made.

MPs want the details of Mombasa-based cleric Aboud Rogo's killing revealed to the public.

They also want a report on why the police had not arrested any culprits despite the crime having been committed in “broad daylight”.

Speaking in Parliament Tuesday, the MPs said the killing and the consequent riots had cast a dark shadow on the stability of the nation, more so, as the country heads to the next elections.

They said the clashes in Mombasa in which a police officer, among a group sent to quell the riots was killed, was a pointer of the state of insecurity in the country.

Dr Boni Khalwale (Ikolomani) said the Internal Security minister Yusuf Haji should tell the country whether the killing of the cleric was extrajudicial, given that “weeks before the cleric was shot, he had complained that his life was in danger”.

"The minister should also confirm whether this was indeed an execution by an elite squad probably from the US (United States of America) in its pursuit of terror suspects all over the world,” said Dr Khalwale.

The Ikolomani MP also sought an explanation on why the daylight killing had made Muslim youth to raid, loot and burn churches in Mombasa. He also sought more names of Kenyans who are on the US terror watch-list.

Martha Karua (Gichugu) said Mr Haji, when he comes to Parliament on Thursday, should also tell the country the exact number of people arrested for the looting spree that accompanied the clashes.

“Could the minister clarify how long it will take the government to bring the matter under control,” said Ms Karua.

Sheikh Mohammed Dor (nominated) said that it was shocking that almost a full day after the killing, which took place in broad daylight, no arrests had been made.

He said that it was “unfortunate” that there were reports of the youth arrested as a result of the clashes, but none of those suspected to have sprayed bullets on Aboud Rogo's van had been apprehended.

Sheikh Dor said there was another unresolved murder of Sheikh Samir, and months after his death, “no one has so far been arrested”.

“The fact that those people have not been arrested is shocking. I was five cars behind (Aboud Rogo’s car) when the shooting occurred. There were so many people who witnessed the shooting.

"If you can be shot at that time, with those many bullets, at such a busy road with traffic, it places this country in a very bad place,” said Mr John Mututho (Naivasha).

Mr Mututho said the police force and the appointment of a new Inspector General ought to be expedited.

“It’s a high time that we address what is happening in different parts of the republic. Certainly, there’s something that is missing. Either our (police) officers are on a go-slow, or our institutions have just collapsed. The minister must treat this issue as urgent,” said Adan Keynan (Wajir West).

Zakayo Cheruiyot (Kuresoi) said the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) should be reformed and pushed to address the many unresolved killings in the country.

Mr Haji will address the matter on Thursday.