Musikari Kombo claims life in danger as witness’ house is burnt
Bungoma senatorial seat aspirant and former Cabinet minister Musikari Kombo Tuesday alleged that his life was in danger.
Kombo said he received death threats last Thursday and recorded a statement with the Criminal Investigations Department in Bungoma.
Kombo revealed this a day after unknown assailants carried out an arson attack on a house belonging to a witness in his petition case that led to nullification of immediate former Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula’s election.
“I don’t feel safe, neither do my close allies. These cowardly acts should be investigated by police and Inspector General David Kimaiyo,’’ said Kombo.
George Sitati, 44, the second witness in the petition said armed attackers stormed his Chebukaka home in Kabuchai constituency around 10pm on Monday. “Three men struck yesterday (Monday) night when I was inside the house with my friend. They poured petrol through the window and lit a matchstick, which they also threw inside the house. We managed to get the door open by breaking it before getting out,’’ explained Sitati. Property including a television set, chairs, documents and cupboards were destroyed in the attack.
Sitati further alleged he has received two death threats from unknown people since he became a witness in the case. He was also a witness in the Kabuchai Constituency petition.
“Since I decided to be a witness in the petition for Kombo I have been threatened with violence. Strangers on the road motion to me often with some warning me of dire consequences for participating in the case as a witness,’’ he claimed.
Leaflets
A month ago, Kombo’s lead lawyer Wanyama Wanyonyi was shot dead outside his house a week before ruling on the petition was issued.
Kombo claimed that two of his other witnesses have also received death threats.
“Police have not revealed the motive of Wanyonyi’s killing and yet more violence keeps on occurring against witnesses in the case. As campaigns for by-election begin, we are calling for a peaceful election in our county,’’ Kombo said. His comments come in the wake of inciting leaflets being circulated in the county.
Bungoma Central OCPD Joseph Mwenje said police have launched investigations into the arson attack
-standardmedia.co.ke
