Slum killings on Saturday not ethnic-related, says officer

Nairobi County police boss Japheth Koome

Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome yesterday confirmed that five people were killed on Saturday night but dismissed reports that they were victims of ethnic clashes, saying they were being treated as murder.

“We have commenced investigations and we are confident that we will arrest and take to court persons who committed the offence. What happened has nothing to do with ethnic clashes; we can only confirm that murders were committed,” said Mr Koome.

He however said politicians inciting their supporters against paying rent were causing tension in informal settlements.

Speaking during a meeting between the police, Kenya Prison Service and the National Youth Service, Koome said there were criminal gangs in the settlements.

“There are many criminal gangs and we will deal with them. However, at the moment we are investigating and those found culpable will be arrested and charged for the crimes committed,” he said.

He said one person in Mukuru kwa Reuben was stabbed in the chest by a known assailant after a confrontation ensued over funds raised for funeral arrangements.

The other four, according to Koome, were killed in Mathare "through stabbing which initial investigations indicate from a blunt object. However, investigations were still ongoing".

Koome said there would be heavy police presence in Mathare and Baba Dogo estates.

Political leaders

He also cautioned political leaders against incitement in informal settlements.

“We will arrest them. We are pursuing those who have incited people in the recent past and we have evidence against them,” he said.

Koome said some leaders had incited tenants against paying rent, which had led to hostility between them and their landlords.

“People need to honour their agreement. We are engaging tenants and landlords on this matter because it is causing tension in some areas,” he said.

Koome was speaking at a meeting of commanders of the three services in Nairobi. The commanders were planning for security ahead of the Supreme Court ruling on the presidential election petition today.

The police boss said they would ensure that the city remained safe during and after the critical ruling.