MPs reject bid to open probe on Fidel, Kajwang deaths
An attempt to have Parliament investigate the deaths of key Cord personalities has been opposed by ODM and the bereaved families.
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura filed a Motion seeking the setting up of a parliamentary select committee to investigate the deaths of Senators Mutula Kilonzo and Otieno Kajwang’ and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s son Fidel.
Debate on the Motion was to begin Wednesday morning.
Mr Obura had proposed the establishment of a 15-member team that he would chair to conduct the investigations.
Dagoretti South MP Dennis Kariuki supported the Motion and suggested that the names of other prominent people who died in unclear circumstances, including Kabete MP George Muchai, be included.
However, Minority Whip Jakoyo Midiwo sought an adjournment of the Motion, saying the bereaved families had not been consulted.
“I am under instructions from the party that the Motion be dropped,” he said.
PROVOCATIVE
Mr Kajwang’s brother, Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’, said his family had not been approached. He said the Motion was provocative and insulting to the concerned families.
But some MPs who backed the initiative said the senators died while in public service and Kenyans had a right to know how they died.
“Save for Mr Odinga’s son, these people were holding public positions. We need to know whether they died of natural causes or were killed. So many have died, there are suspected assassinations and mysterious deaths that have never been unravelled,” said Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.
Majority Leader Aden Duale revealed that Mr Obura had approached the House Business Committee on Tuesday and said he wished to withdraw the Motion.
HOT POTATOES
He said Mr Obura had realised the issues was sensitive.
“People carry hot potatoes and when they realise they can’t handle them they run to the HBC,” said Mr Duale.
He said such an investigation would be an abuse of the process of Parliament as it was a family matter.
“Hon Obura, the families of those people never sent you to investigate, I am sure they know the cause of deaths in their families very well,” he said.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi said it was important to adjourn the Motion for further consultation but dismissed Mr Duale’s “hot potato” claims.
He said Mr Obura had probably came up with the Motion to express his disgruntlement with the party.