MP family denies Ali’s love theory
Chaos reigned in Kericho town on Thursday as Ainamoi constituents mourned their MP, Mr David Kimutai Too. Protesting youths burned oil tankers and houses. The MP’s family denied Too was a victim of a love triangle. A family spokesman, Mr Julius Langat, said the MP flew to Eldoret from Nairobi as he could not drive straight to Kericho due to the ongoing post-election violence. He said a policewoman who was with him, Eunice Chepkwony, was his neighbour.
A sorrowful mood engulfed Chepkoiyo village, as mourners thronged the legislator’s home to condole with his family. While condemning the killing, the family demanded thorough investigation. Too’s mother, Sarah, and widow, Lina, wailed uncontrollably upon learning of the death on Thursday morning. Langat said the MP had gone to inquire about the situation on the roads, adding that Too had complained that his life was in danger.
“Eunice was a neighbour and a family friend. They were not in a love affair as the Police Commissioner claimed,” said Langat. He continued: “This is a cover-up by the police in an attempt to distort information. The police should tell Kenyans the truth instead of taking us in circles.” He said the woman was a relative and there was no way they could be involved in an affair.
The news of the death sparked chaos in the town that was regaining calm after days of riots. Armed youths burnt six petroleum tankers headed for Uganda, as roadblocks were erected on the Kericho-Sotik road. His life in danger At James Finlay, two houses belonging to senior managers were set on fire. More were burnt in Nyagacho and Majengo estates, as police shot in the air to disperse the rowdy youths.
The protest spread to Bureti, Bomet, Kipkelion and Sotik districts, where businesses were hurriedly closed. Langat said the MP had claimed that his life was in danger. “Too had expressed fears that his life was in danger especially during the campaign period,” he said.
Meanwhile, a sombre mood enveloped Parliament as MPs tried to come to terms with the killing of a colleague. Government Deputy Chief Whip and Kangundo MP, Mr Nduya Muthama, termed the death regrettable. “I’m shocked by the death that has come hot on the heels of that of the Embakasi MP, Mugabe Were,” said Muthama. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Muthama urged Kenyans to remain calm as police investigated the death.
Mwingi South MP, Mr David Musila, and his Kibwezi colleague, Prof Philip Kaloki, asked the Government to ensure that the culprits behind the death of two MPs were brought to book. “We join the family and friends of Too in mourning his death and pray to God to give them strength to bear it all,” said Kaloki. Machakos Town and Kathiani MPs, Dr Victor Munyaka and Ms Wavinya Ndeti, also condoled the family. MPs and parliamentary staff huddled together as they discussed the death in hushed tones. “The circumstances in which the MP has died are shocking,” said a staff member who sought anonymity.
East African Standard