Muslim leaders demand Issa Timamy’s immediate release to avert possible violence

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. [PHOTO: STANDARD]

LAMU COUNTY: Muslim leaders now want Lamu Governor Issa Timamy released unconditionally for the sake of stability in the area. The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has said the detention and arraignment of Timamy is not good for stability.

Secretary General Adan Wachu urged authorities to stop holding the Governor and drop the charges against him, adding they are uncalled for.

“Those pushing for his arraignment are planting bad blood and violence which will explode soon. For the sake of stability, let him be set free,” Wachu.

He said there were similar violence in Bungoma, Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit counties and wondered why the area Governors were not arrested and detained. “We have talked to the locals and know things are not good at all and we call upon the concerned parties to release him.”

Wachu said the solution to the violence in Lamu lies with Timamy and other local leaders. United Democratic Forum (UDF) leader Musalia Mudavadi on Friday claimed Timamy’s arrest is a cover-up to conceal police incompetence following the killings in Mpeketoni two weeks ago.

The Amani coalition leader called for a commission of inquiry to unearth the real culprits behind the violence that claimed 65 people.

Mr Timamy was arraigned on Thursday. Police said he is being investigated for murder, forcible transfer of population and terror-related offences.

“I want to reiterate that the arrest of Timamy was rushed to cover up failures of the security officers. The best way is to have a commission of inquiry to identify the culprits and the weakness of the security machinery and not use the Governor as a scapegoat,” Mudavadi said.

Lamu Deputy Governor Eric Mugo claimed his life is in danger. Mr Mugo said he received some threats even before Timamy was arrested. He said some politicians who want the county government dissolved are behind the governor’s arrest.