Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NAIROBI279
2008-01-25 09:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: MINISTER OF INTERNAL
how-toVZCZCXRO0956 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHNR #0279 0250926 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 250926Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4430 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2609 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2543 RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUCQSOC/USCINCSOC MACDILL AFB FL RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RHMFIUU/CJTF HOA
UNCLAS NAIROBI 000279
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KE
SUBJECT: KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: MINISTER OF INTERNAL
SECURITY'S RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR'S LETTER ON POLICE
VIOLENCE
REF: A. NAIROBI 00190
B. 01/25/2008 EMAIL:BEAN TO AF-E-EA-DL (AVAILABLE
FROM KENYA DESK)
UNCLAS NAIROBI 000279
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KE
SUBJECT: KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: MINISTER OF INTERNAL
SECURITY'S RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR'S LETTER ON POLICE
VIOLENCE
REF: A. NAIROBI 00190
B. 01/25/2008 EMAIL:BEAN TO AF-E-EA-DL (AVAILABLE
FROM KENYA DESK)
1. On January 24 we received Minister of Internal Security
George Saitoti's response to the Ambassador's letter of
January 17 (reftel) requesting; 1) a precise statement of the
Rules of Engagement currently in effect for Kenyan security
forces in dealing with unarmed peaceful demonstrators; 2) a
precise statement of the rules of engagement currently in
effect for Kenyan security forces in dealing with ethnic
violence; 3) a full, impartial investigation of the events in
Kisumu depicted in the January 16 video and communication of
the results of the investigation. Full text of the letter is
available (ref b).
Police Rules of Engagement for Demonstrations
-------------- -
2. Citing the Pubic Order Act, Minister Saitoti stated that
police are allowed to disperse demonstrators, "using the
necessary force, including use of tear gas or batons." He
wrote that when there is a threat to life and property police
may use "all necessary force, including firearms." He stated
that the security forces have been ordered to exercise utmost
restraint in dealing with the post-election violence. He
characterized the police as having exercised a great deal of
restraint in dealing with the demonstrations.
Police Rules of Engagement in dealing with Ethnic Violence
-------------- --------------
3. Minister Saitoti was not responsive in providing police
rules of engagement in dealing with ethnic violence. He
characterized the violence as being well-organized and
well-coordinated with Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, and Luhya
communities being targeted for their support of President
Kibaki's Party of National Unity. He stated that
investigations are underway. He stated that police are using
Inter-Community Peace Communities to open dialogue in
communities affected by ethnic tensions.
Full and Impartial Investigations of the Events in Kisumu
-------------- --------------
4. Minister Saitoti stated that a team of senior
investigators have been sent to Kisumu to investigate the
events depicted in the video shown on KTN news on January 16.
5. Comment; A very by-the-book response from the Minister,
who is noted for being a hard- liner. RSO sources have
confirmed that the policeman who shot and killed the two
unarmed, non-threatening demonstrators has been suspended
pending the outcome of the investigation.
RANNEBERGER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KE
SUBJECT: KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: MINISTER OF INTERNAL
SECURITY'S RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR'S LETTER ON POLICE
VIOLENCE
REF: A. NAIROBI 00190
B. 01/25/2008 EMAIL:BEAN TO AF-E-EA-DL (AVAILABLE
FROM KENYA DESK)
1. On January 24 we received Minister of Internal Security
George Saitoti's response to the Ambassador's letter of
January 17 (reftel) requesting; 1) a precise statement of the
Rules of Engagement currently in effect for Kenyan security
forces in dealing with unarmed peaceful demonstrators; 2) a
precise statement of the rules of engagement currently in
effect for Kenyan security forces in dealing with ethnic
violence; 3) a full, impartial investigation of the events in
Kisumu depicted in the January 16 video and communication of
the results of the investigation. Full text of the letter is
available (ref b).
Police Rules of Engagement for Demonstrations
-------------- -
2. Citing the Pubic Order Act, Minister Saitoti stated that
police are allowed to disperse demonstrators, "using the
necessary force, including use of tear gas or batons." He
wrote that when there is a threat to life and property police
may use "all necessary force, including firearms." He stated
that the security forces have been ordered to exercise utmost
restraint in dealing with the post-election violence. He
characterized the police as having exercised a great deal of
restraint in dealing with the demonstrations.
Police Rules of Engagement in dealing with Ethnic Violence
-------------- --------------
3. Minister Saitoti was not responsive in providing police
rules of engagement in dealing with ethnic violence. He
characterized the violence as being well-organized and
well-coordinated with Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii, and Luhya
communities being targeted for their support of President
Kibaki's Party of National Unity. He stated that
investigations are underway. He stated that police are using
Inter-Community Peace Communities to open dialogue in
communities affected by ethnic tensions.
Full and Impartial Investigations of the Events in Kisumu
-------------- --------------
4. Minister Saitoti stated that a team of senior
investigators have been sent to Kisumu to investigate the
events depicted in the video shown on KTN news on January 16.
5. Comment; A very by-the-book response from the Minister,
who is noted for being a hard- liner. RSO sources have
confirmed that the policeman who shot and killed the two
unarmed, non-threatening demonstrators has been suspended
pending the outcome of the investigation.
RANNEBERGER