GSU harassing us, say Tana clashes witnesses

Witnesses expected to appear before the commission investigating the Tana Delta clashes have accused police officers of harassing them.

One of them, businessman Awadh Madawa at Kilelengwani village claimed he was beaten by General Service Unit officers last Friday as he headed to Maridhiano Hall in Mnjila to testify.

“An officer hit me on the face and stole my money,” Mr Madawa narrated the 5.30am incident to the Nation.

Another resident, Mr Joel Ruhu, claimed that several people had suffered the wrath of the security personnel who were descending on homes and raping women after chasing away the men.

“As we speak, we have information that a woman has been raped by security officers during a morning operation,” said Mr Ruhu.

Mr Halima Ali, a khat dealer, urged the government to lift the curfew in the area and boost security.

“As businesspeople, our returns have been low since the curfew started. We are now asking the government to reduce the number of curfew hours,” he said.

Coast deputy police boss Robert Kitur, however, said after receiving complaints he visited the area to talk to the residents but no one turned up to air their grievances.

“Right now, I am at Kilelengwani trying to talk to them but they are hiding and do not want to come out in the open. How do I help them?” he asked.

The commission investigating the violence resumes sittings this week. Tana Delta district commissioner David Kiprop is expected to continue with his testimony on the events before and during the attacks at Kilelengwani, Chamwanamuma and Riketa.

On Thursday, Galole MP Dhado Godhana is expected to appear before the commission for cross-examination on allegations that he held meetings with a particular community as part of plans that led to the violence.

He will also be expected to shed light on his public utterances at various meetings during his political campaigns for the governor’s seat.

While appearing at the commission as a witness last week, Mr Godhana distanced himself from the allegations.

He was, however, not cross-examined by assisting counsel Wamuti Ndegwa. Mr Ndegwa wanted more time to peruse documents given to the commission by the suspended assistant Livestock minister.

Mr Ndegwa said he required time to establish whether Mr Godhana held meetings at Kilelengwani and other areas in Garsen constituency.

“We require more time to establish the dates that he was at the village and to investigate whether he held night meetings,” he told the commission.