Saturday, February 14, 2015 I’ve made statement on MP death: Kazungu Kambi

 
Nairobi Police Commander Benson Kibue (left) with the family of Constable Samuel Kimathi who was killed alongside Kabete MP George Muchai. Mr Kimathi was laid to rest on February 14, 2015 at Laciathuriu village in Tigania East, Meru County. PHOTO | DAVID MUCHUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP   

By DAVID MUCHUI
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By PHILIP BWAYO
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Labour Secretary Kazungu Kambi on Saturday said he had already recorded a statement with the police regarding the death of Kabete MP George Muchai.

He said he stands by the statements he made at the funeral of Mr Muchai, where he linked the death to disputes in the Central Organisation of Trade Union.

“After Mr Muchai’s death, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations came to my offices at NSSF Building and took my statement,” he said, adding that he would not hesitate to record another statement if more information was needed from him.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, who had sensationally claimed that he knew who killed Mr Muchai, said he had not recorded any statement with the police but was ready to do so.

“It is pretty obvious who the killers are… We are ready to share the information with the police, but do they really need that kind of help?” he said, adding, “We are waiting for those at the top of COTU leadership to sue us, but we will not let Kenyans die in vain.”

The two, together with MPs Alice N’gan’ga (Thika) and Francis Waititu (Juja) said during Mr Muchai’s funeral in Kamulu on Friday that investigations should not ignore the fights between Mr Muchai and other Cotu officials.

Meanwhile, Samuel Kimathi, a bodyguard of Kabete MP George Muchai, was on Saturday laid to rest at Laciathuriu village in Tigania East, Meru County.

The ceremony was attended by Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, his Limuru counterpart John Kiragu, Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi and Nairobi PPO Benson Kibue, who called on the government to ensure justice is done.

Mr Aburi also asked the government to ensure justice is done and that the young family of the police officer is supported.

“We are happy that some suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court. We want the government to also increase the salaries of police officers who do the hard work of protecting Kenyans. The government should not abandon the families of deceased officers,” he said.

Mr Wamatangi said: “We hear that those who killed the MP and the bodyguards were paid to do so. The police should ensure that the criminals face the law.”

Mr Kiragu lamented that the police officer had lost his life at a young age and called on the government to make good its promise to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kimathi was eulogised as a hardworking, diligent Christian who devoted himself to his duties.

The 26-year-old met his death on his birthday February 7. He leaves behind widow Lydiah Makena and eight-month-old son Kelving Mutugi.

Elsewhere, former Westlands MP Fred Gumo defended COTU boss Francis Atwoli against claims that he had a hand in the killings.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia, Mr Gumo instead asked the police to arrest leaders who are perpetuating the allegations — led by Mr Kambi.

“The Cabinet Secretary wants to use Mr Muchai’s death to silence Mr Atwoli’s spirited fight for workers’ rights in the country,” he said at the burial of Sebastian Namwamba at Wekhonya village, Trans Nzoia.

The former minister said the accusations were a well-hatched plot by a few individuals who are not comfortable with Mr Atwoli’s trade unionism and want him shut up.

Mr Gumo also called on Luhya politicians not to remain mum when Mr Atwoli was being attacked.

Separately, Cherang’any MP Wesley Korir poked holes in the costly CCTV surveillance system in Nairobi, terming it a white elephant for failing to record the murder.