Midiwo to be charged over Raila ‘death plot’

What you need to know:

  • Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko orders his arrest on charges of giving false evidence of alleged plot by political rivals to kill the PM

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo will be charged with falsely claiming that there was a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko on Friday directed the police to arrest Mr Midiwo after upholding their recommendation that the ODM chief whip be charged with giving false evidence.

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere handed over the report to Mr Tobiko on Thursday.

On Friday, Mr Tobiko said he was satisfied with the police finding.

“I am satisfied with their (police) evidence and investigations. I have directed that he be arrested and charged for providing false information immediately,” he said.

Mr Midiwo was said to be out of the country but he is likely to be arrested when he returns.

The DPP commended the police for conducting speedy and thorough investigations into the matter.

Mr Midiwo sensationally claimed at funeral in Bondo on April 7 that there was a plan to kill Mr Odinga.

He later recorded a statement at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters, Nairobi, on the basis of which detectives questioned more than 10 people. (READ: NCIC: Reports of tension over Raila murder plot)

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto were grilled over the allegations after they were mentioned adversely by the MP.

Ministers Njeru Githae (Finance) and Sam Ongeri (Foreign Affairs) also had their statements taken by officers investigating the matter.

On Thursday, Mr Iteere said the file containing statements recorded by investigators and recommendations had been sent to the DPP but declined to provide any details on the contents.

“We are now awaiting further direction from the DPP. Am hoping to get the feedback by end of today (Thursday) so that we can move to the next action,” said Mr Iteere.

Police closed the investigation without talking to either Mr Odinga or his security detail, with the director of criminal investigations, Mr Ndegwa Muhoro, saying it was not necessary to do so.

The CID boss explained that Mr Midiwo’s statement had not shown that the PM was privy to the allegations before they were made public.

Following the claims, Mr Tobiko directed the police to speed up investigations, leading to the questioning of Mr Midiwo and the personalities he had implicated.

“The gravity and magnitude of the allegations, particularly during this period when the country is preparing for the next General Election, cannot be overemphasized,” he said.

“These allegations therefore require a prompt, thorough and speedy investigation to establish their veracity or otherwise,” the DPP said in a letter to Mr Iteere.

The Gem MP claimed at the funeral that Prof Ongeri had been tasked with handling the backlash from the assassination.

But Prof Ongeri dismissed the claims, saying his style of politics was founded on professionalism and Christianity.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Kenyatta, his aide, Munyori Buku, described the allegation as part of a “scheme to camouflage the biggest failure in Orange Democratic Movement — dictatorship and resistance to change”.

Mr Ruto termed the claim unfortunate, noting that those behind it were making casual statements on sensitive matters pertaining to national security (READ: Uhuru, Ruto dismiss Midiwo death claims)

The Eldoret North MP urged Kenyans to treat Mr Midiwo’s claim with the “contempt it deserved”.

The Gem MP also claimed mercenaries had been hired to carry out the plot.

This prompted the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to warn the claim had sparked hostilities among the neighbouring Kisii and Luo communities in Nyanza Province. Prof Ongeri is a Kisii while Mr Odinga and Mr Midiwo are Luo.

NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said he had credible reports of tension between members of the two communities in Kisumu. But there was no case of violence reported, with some MPs stating the commission had got its facts wrong.

“The statement by Mr Midiwo whether true or not is of a serious nature and serious attention needs to be given to it,” Dr Kibunjia said.

Mr Odinga, who was present when Mr Midiwo spoke, played down the claim and cautioned against statements that could divide Kenyans.

He said he did not fear death.