NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 24 – Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara now claims his life is in danger.
He told Parliamnet that mysterious people had sent his personal assistant text messages warning him not to associate with the MP since his days were numbered.
“That text message read as follows: Tell Gitobu Imanyara that he won’t go far. We are closely watching him… you are young to associate with people whose days are numbered. Do you want to count your days? Stop or your family will miss you.” Mr Imanyara told fellow MPs on Tuesday, and claimed the police were not taking the issue seriously since no action has been taken so far.
“It is not the first time that I have stood in this House to raise issues concerning the personal health of myself and other MPs and particularly why there are no serious steps being taken in the circumstances. The Minister (Prof George Saitoti) has stood in this House to give certain assurances and we have not seen any action on those assurances. Or are they waiting until we are killed so that they can start investigating?” he asked.
The Imenti Central lawmaker has complained over his safety in the past especially after he began pushing for a Bill to establish the Special Tribunal to try perpetrators of the post election violence.
Prof Saitoti who holds the Internal Security docket came under attack from MPs who accused him of the failing to guarantee their security.
This prompted Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim to directed Prof Saitoti to inform the House of the actions he had taken. He also took issue with the minister for failing to comply with orders given by the chair to provide additional security to five members who had earlier this month complained of death threats.
MPs Martha Karua, Bonny Khalwale, Simuyu Esieli and Mithika Linturi were among the MPs who had reported threat to their lives. But Prof Saitoti said the matter had received due attention adding that he would issue a comprehensive statement.
“I do not take lightly the security of the MPs. I would be quite happy to actually come here and tell you what has been done and if it has not been done what are the reason,” said Prof Saitoti.
He also promised the House that he would elaborate security measure taken for Housing Assistant Minister Bishop Margaret Wanjiru and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga who have recorded statements with police after receiving death threats.
Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu used the opportunity to complain over what he termed as the re-emergence of the Kwekwe Squad which he claimed was abducting young men in his constituency.
He challenged the Internal Security minister to clarify the status of the specialised police squad, which has been blamed for most of the execution of suspected Mungiki youths that have been reported in the country.
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