Leaders demand answers after Muslim cleric found dead

Religious and political leaders have demanded an explanation from the government after the death of a Muslim cleric.

Sheikh Mohamed Ali Kheir, alias Dawara, was found dead three days ago at a pond in Embu County.

He had been allegedly kidnapped in Garissa Town on Thursday by three people who had allegedly claimed to be security officers.

The leaders, who were addressing mourners who turned up for the cleric’s burial in Garissa on Monday, said the government must provide answers as it had the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Fafi MP Elias Bare Shill, who was among the leaders who escorted the body from Embu to Garissa, said it was shocking that a person could be accosted by people claiming to be security officers only to be found dead.

He said those who were with the cleric during his “arrest” did not raise the alarm because the people who seized him identified themselves as police officers.

“Now people are cautious with anybody claiming to be a security officer until they provide identification documents so that they don’t fall victim to criminals,” Mr Shill told the Nation.

That, according to the MP, would negatively affect the relationship between police and the public as no one would trust anyone claiming to be a police officer unless they properly identified themselves.

During the burial, a truckload of rapid deployment unit officers were sent to the Garissa Primary School grounds following reports that Muslims planned to hold prayers there for the cleric.

Balambala MP Abdikadir Aden, Mr Abdinoor Mohamed (a nominated MP) and Supkem leaders, who also attended the burial, said local leaders would meet with the county security chiefs to demand answers over the cleric’s death.