PH
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) wants the US based Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) called in to investigate the killing of controversial businessman Jacob Juma.
The federation says only independent investigators can be trusted with investigations into the murder of Juma, who was shot dead on Thursday night in Nairobi.
“The government and National Police Service cannot be trusted with investigations on the killing. Instead, only the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and independent international investigators including but not limited to FBI should be called in to conduct the investigations,” Cofek Secretary General, Stephen Mutoro said in a statement to newsrooms on Friday.
Mutoro said the government should come out clean in relation to the murder, since the businessman was its critical critic.
“It is in the interest of the Jubilee administration not to be associated with the unfortunate killing. The least the government can do, therefore, is to empathize with the bereaved family and Kenyans at large. Fundamentally, the government must show that it possibly has nothing to hide on the killing.
“We are hoping that senior government officers will cooperate with investigators and avoid issuing statements which will undermine the investigations,” Mutoro said.
According to Mutoro, Juma had complained to the police about his safety but no action was taken until when he met his death.
“Incidentally, Mr. Juma has since January 27, 2016 been complaining about potential assassination. National Police Service has done little or possibly nothing to protect him. Eventually, he has been killed in the manner which confirms his fears while he lived. In the absence of any credible finding, the public would obviously believe his version,” the statement added.
Mutoro cautioned politicians against using the unfortunate killing of the businessman to settle political scores by fueling unnecessary public emotions and also urged bloggers and social media users to avoid any speculation about the murder.
“Kenyans on social media and especially bloggers must avoid speculation and diversionary mis-information including but not limited to futile attempt of linking a hapless journalist to the killing,” Mutoro said.
