KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: ODM MP SLAIN - VIOLENCE

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000309 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL KDEM KE SUBJECT: KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: ODM MP SLAIN - VIOLENCE FLAIRS IN NAIROBI ¶1. (U) The opposition Orange Democratic Movement MP for Embakasi (Nairobi),Melitus Were, was murdered by two gunmen as he was driving up to his home just after midnight on January 29. In the current crisis, the perception that this is a politically-motivated killing has taken hold. Were was a Luhya and his Embakasi constituency adjoins (but does not include) Kibera slums - home to a sizable Luhya population. There are reports of rioting in Embakasi, Kibera, and Kawangari districts of Nairobi. Police have dispersed crowds with teargas. Violent reaction to the killing is also possible in Western Province - the Luhya homeland. ¶2. (U) President Kibaki issued a statement calling the murder a "heinous crime". He sent a message of condolence to Were's family, friends, and constituents. Kibaki called for all Kenyans to maintain peace and to avoid drawing premature conclusions into Were's death. He stated that the police would act swiftly and deal severely with the perpetrators of the crime. ¶3. (SBU) Police are investigating the murder. Police Commissioner Hussein Ali has called for calm and asked that anyone with any information assist the police. The police leadership is clearly aware that many doubt its commitment to a thorough and unhindered investigation of this politically charged case. The police spokesman invited any parties interested in ensuring a professional and transparent investigation to join the police or to conduct parallel investigations. In response, we have offered the government FBI assistance in investigating the crime. RANNEBERGER