Kenya: Jihad continues Police clash with Muslim protesters

Yesterday, I pointed out the trouble in Kenya might not be as simple as tribal warfare and a religious linkage might play a part. This supports that analysis.

Story by NATION Team
Publication Date: 1/5/2008
The relative calm which had returned to Mombasa Friday was disrupted in the afternoon when anti-riot police clashed with Muslim demonstrators on Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.

Trouble began when thousands of Muslims who had gathered for prayers at Sakina Mosque, poured into Jomo Kenyatta Avenue protesting against the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki for a second term.

They were led by Pentagon member Najib Balala, Changamwe and Kisauni MPs-elect Ramadhan Kajembe and Hassan Joho respectively.

The group marched towards Mwembe Tayari chanting slogans when they were stopped by anti-riot police.

Remained defiant

Led by Mombasa head of police Wilfred Mbithi, the police demanded that the protesters end their demonstration, but the group was defiant.

Police then hurled several teargas canisters at the crowd and shot in the air to disperse the demonstrators who fled in different directions.

Mr Balala complained over the decision by the police to bar Muslims from demonstrating, but Mr Mbithi said there was no way they could demonstrate while they had not sought police permission.

The Pentagon member and Mr Joho demanded that the Mombasa police boss permit Muslims to hold a demonstration today, but Mr Mbithi said they would only be allowed if they got permission from police headquarters.

The Pentagon member said ODM did not recognise President Kibaki’s re-election since, he claimed, he was rigged in.

Another demonstration planned from Mbaruk Mosque in Mombasa’s central business district did not take place. The faithful left the Mosque soon after the prayers.

Peaceful manner

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) secretary-general Sheikh Mohamed Dor, who led prayers at the mosque, said Kenyans should demand their rights in a peaceful manner.

Earlier, the day had started on a positive note as businesses opened and Kongowea Market, the largest food wholesale outlet in the region, received supplies from upcountry.
Matatus, too, were back on the roads after prolonged absence.

Before going to the Sakina Mosque, Mr Balala visited the Coast Provincial General Hospital to console victims of the violence.

Speaking after visiting the patients, he said ODM would institute court proceedings against the police for perpetrating violence in the country.

The hospital’s deputy administrator, Dr Jennipher Othigo, said 30 people had died as a result of the violence in the region.

Explore posts in the same categories: Africa, Jihad, Kenya, criminal activity, politics