Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NAIROBI309
2008-01-29 13:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: ODM MP SLAIN - VIOLENCE
how-toVZCZCXRO3925 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHNR #0309 0291326 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 291326Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4464 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 5745 RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 5068 RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 2583 RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 1852 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2613 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2547 RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RHMFIUU/CJTF HOA
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
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
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