Raila condemns killing of city lawyer and his client

CORD leader Raila Odinga

CORD leader Raila Odinga has condemned the killing of lawyer Willie Kimani, his client and a taxi driver whose bodies were found in Kilimambogo yesterday, nearly two weeks after they were abducted. Raila said the murder of the trio was a pointer that extra-judicial killings were on the rise once again.

Raila asked the police to arrest the people behind the killings.

"We are telling the government that Kenya is not a police state. The Cabinet Secretary in-charge of security should also note that he is not in-charge of ammunition but of security," Raila said.

The Opposition leader told the security chiefs to rise above partisan interests and protect all Kenyans as is emboldened in their national service motto - Utumishi kwa wote.

Police recovered three bodies suspected to be those of the missing Kenyans who went missing, in Oldonyo Sabuk River, Kilimabogo.

The former premier spoke yesterday during the coronation of Chairman of the Seme Luo Louncil of Elders, Mzee Zablon Omoso at Seme Shrines, in Bone village.

Raila also told the State to stop using the police to harass and gag Opposition leaders. He reminded authorities that like the rest of Kenyans, the Constitution guarantees them freedom of expression.

"We have the liberty to speak our minds. We also have the freedom to peacefully demonstrate and press for elusive socio-economic or political rights," he said.

Raila also defended Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama on fresh allegations of hate speech.

Muthama has received fresh arrest notice of hate speech, which Raila claimed was now being used to "silence the Opposition".

"Muthama only questioned skewed leadership in the top country's leadership in Kenya," Raila said adding that no amount of intimidation will hold them back.

Speaking else where in Seme rata, Kisumu County during the commissioning of the new National Government Constituency Development Fund offices, Raila challenged the national government to release more funds to counties for development.

Raila was accompanied by Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, MPs Fred Outa, Olago Aluoch and a host of MCAs from the area.