Peter Atsiaya, James Ratemo And Brian Adero
21 January 2008
Nairobi — Police in Kisumu have licensed an inter-denominational funeral service for victims killed by police in mass protests in the lakeside town.
The ODM Pentagon has confirmed it will attend the service to be held at the Moi Stadium.
Kisumu OCPD, Mr Simon Kiragu, said police had issued a permit for the service.
Kiragu said police did not intend to disrupt the service after ODM leaders announced they would attend it.
"The service will go on as planned and I want to assure religious leaders behind the event that police will not stop it," said Kiragu.
He said ODM Pentagon members were free to attend the meeting like any other Christian.
Kiragu said security would be beefed up, adding "with the presence of ODM leaders anything can happen".
The police chief asked the politicians to ensure peace prevailed during and after the service.
"We know it will be an emotional service, but we urge politicians and religious leaders to take control and restrain their supporters from engaging in acts of violence," he added.
He noted that security personnel had been put on high alert to deal with those who would break the law.
"Security has been stepped up in the town because we cannot take chances," said Kiragu, as he appealed to mourners to maintain law and order.
ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga, said the party had called off mass action temporarily to mourn innocent victims of police brutality.
Tension remained high in Kisumu on Sunday as residents awaited the arrival of the ODM Pentagon members for the prayers.
Meanwhile, Nairobi's Huruma Estate residents woke up to more bloodletting after two people were murdered and scores of others seriously injured.
Teargas, bonfires and gunshots rent the air as machete-wielding gangs fought it out. The fresh flare-up erupted on Saturday night and went on through the better part of yesterday.
Warring groups marked off their territories and engaged each other in fierce battles.
By dawn, the estate was littered with empty tear gas canisters, trails of blood and an assortment of weapons.
With tension high and the presence of GSU heavy in the estate, residents remained indoors. When police arrived, two people had been killed, several houses burnt and property looted.
Speaking to The Standard, residents said the warring groups engaged each other and the police in running battles and several people were injured with machetes in the ensuing melee.
By noon, one body and a hand still lay at the scene. The remains were later ferried to City Mortuary as police kept vigil over the seemingly bloodthirsty groups.
Some survivors were taken to Huruma Memorial Hospital and others to Kenyatta National Hospital.
One journalist escaped narrowly as an angry mob accosted him as he ventured into the slum.
The residents bayed for his blood, saying that he looked like a member of the 'enemy' community.
It took the courage of the gun-wielding policemen to keep the unruly group off. Police later dispersed the group using teargas.
Many residents have fled the slum and several houses were vacant.
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