3 MPs summoned in probe into Kitui police station raid

BY MUSEMBI NZENGU

Three MPs, an MCA and a former woman representative have been summoned by the NCIC over allegations of incitement and destruction of a police station.

Investigations came after the invasion of the Kona Kaliti police station in Kitui South.

NCIC is also investigating the alleged incitement of Tana River residents to invade Kitui to graze camels and the blocking of the building of the Katumba police station.

The five have been asked to present themselves to the NCIC office in Nairobi’s Upper Hill on October 8 at 10am to help with investigations on the incitement allegations.

The letters are dated September 30.

Those summoned include MPs Yakub Kuno (Bura), Said Hiribae (Galole) and Amina Dika (Tana River Woman Representative).

Also summoned are Bangale MCA Jibril Farah and former Tana River Woman Representative Rehema Hassan.

Last week, people believed to be from Tana River, raided the Kona Kaliti police station in Kitui, broke windowpanes, ripped off the roof and carted away iron sheets and other movables, including solar panels and batteries.

Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto said the attackers drove police officers out of the station that is under construction.

He said thousands of Tana River residents had moved to Kitui with their livestock, occupying parts of the county, including South Kitui National Game Reserve, which is a protected area.

Several attempts by the contractor to build Katumba police station have been thwarted by people claimed to be from Tana River, who use stones and crude weapons to disrupt works.

NCIC acting chairman Harrison Kariuki cautioned the leaders against disregarding the summons.

According to NCIC, some of the leaders were said to have incited residents of Galole to destroy Kona Kaliti police station.

“These statements are reported to have incited feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination among residents living along the border of Kitui and Tana River counties,” the NCIC letter said.

Others are accused of being involved in inciting residents of Tana River to invade Kitui County, graze camels and attack residents.

The letter says the actions incited feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence and discrimination.

One of the leaders is accused of inciting residents of Katumba against the construction of a police station in the area.

Earlier this week, NCIC vowed to deal firmly with politicians fanning acts of lawlessness and conflicts along the border of Kitui and Tana River counties.

Commissioner Danvas Makori said in Kitui on Tuesday that NCIC expects leaders in the two counties to uphold peace.

Addressing the media after holding a meeting with Rutto, Makori appealed to residents of Kitui and Tana River to remain calm.

Rutto said Kenya is not a banana republic and no leader is above the law.

He said the law will catch up with inciters of clashes between Kitui and Tana River.

“We appeal to NCIC to take appropriate action in accordance with the law. Those who are culpable or are suspects from both sides of the divide must face the full force of the law,” Rutto said.

 “Perpetual peace, security, law and order are paramount. Everybody must respect the law of the land.”