Police boss asks Maina Kiai to report threat to his life

By KURIAN MUSA

Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo has asked rights activist Maina Kiai to record a formal statement with the Criminal Investigations Department regarding claims that his life is in danger.

This followed the claims by former Kenya National Human Rights Commission Maina Kiai that his life and those of some of his family members were in danger.

Maina had earlier addressed the media, claiming that his Nyeri home was set to be burnt down by a vigilante group (see story on page 5).

“It has come to the attention of the government and the entire national police service that Maina Kiai has addressed the Press to the effect that his life and the family is under threat and that has informed Kenyans and the international community,” Kimaiyo said.

He refuted the claims, saying that Maina had not reported the threats to any police station or even called any security officer to say the same.

The police boss termed the utterances by Mr Kiai as reckless and unbecoming, and condemned him for dragging the name of the president into his (Maina’s) woes.

“I would like to call upon Mr Kiai to report to the Director of Criminal Investigation and make a formal report and record his statement to that effect, together with all the witnesses he may have,” Mr Kimaiyo said in an urgent Press briefing in his office.

Kimaiyo termed the claims by the rights activist unfortunate and sensational, as the claims involving the Head of State “are uncalled for” if not reported in any security agent in the country.

“He has not reported anywhere and we only learnt the thereats from him through the media,” said the police boss.

The Inspector General warned the public against issuing any threats concerning the ICC witnesses directly or indirectly.

Social media

“We have instructed our officers to hold account those who may use the social media and directly or indirectly intimidate witnesses,” he said.

He warned members of the public to avoid reckless use of the mainstream and social media to spread wild allegations which have not been reported to the police.

Mr Kimaiyo asked anyone who might be a witness in any court locally and internationally, but feels his or her life is in danger, to report to the police immediately.

He said police do not have orders to shoot and kill, and instead asked his juniors to observe the law in their pursuit of criminals (see separate story on shooting orders on page 28).

Mr Kimaiyo reacted to Internal Security Cabinet Secretary’s speech in Mombasa where the ‘shoot to kill’ orders are said to have been made.


 

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