Kenyan Opposition Lawmaker Gunned Down

Violence Likely To Escalate After Opposition Member Is Shot While Driving

(AP)  Gunmen killed an opposition lawmaker in Nairobi and police and soldiers in helicopters fired on crowds in the Rift Valley on Tuesday, the latest flare-up of the ethnic fighting that has gripped Kenya since last month's disputed presidential election.

Groups of armed youths began gathering after the lawmaker's shooting in the capital's Mathare and Kibera slums. Sabat Abdullah, a slum resident, said a gang hefting machetes dragged a doctor from the president's Kikuyu tribe from his clinic "and then cut and cut until his head was off."

Since the Dec. 27 election, the death toll across a country once among the most stable in Africa has soared to over 800. Much of the violence has pitted other tribes against Kikuyu, long resented for their dominance of Kenyan politics and business.

Police said the killing of opposition lawmaker Mugabe Were as he drove to his house in suburban Nairobi Tuesday was being treated "as a murder but we are not ruling out anything, including political motives."

Kenyan police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said: "We are urging everyone to remain calm."

Were was among a slew of opposition members who won seats in the legislative vote held at the same time as the presidential election. The opposition, which won the most seats in parliament, accuses President Mwai Kibaki of stealing the presidential vote.

"We suspect the foul hands of our adversaries," main opposition leader Raila Odinga said as he made his way Tuesday to Were's home, where dozens of protesters manned burning barricades of tires and uprooted telephone posts. "No Raila, no peace!" they yelled.

Police fired tear gas at unarmed mourners who had been taunting them from the compound of Were's home.

Kibaki condemned the killing, appealed for calm and promised police would act swiftly to ensure the perpetrators were dealt with severely.

A resident of Nairobi's Kibera slum, Teddy Njoroge, said that in the wake of Were's death, houses were being set ablaze near a railway that generally divides members of Kikuyu from Odinga's Luo people. Flames and smoke rose from one area of Kibera.

Just outside Kibera, people looted sacks of World Food Program rations and fled when police arrived.

In the Mathare slum, armed Luo men at a roadblock dragged a Kikuyu man from his car and attacked him with machetes, volunteer aid worker Fospeter Ouma said. "They slashed him so much. I think he must have died," he said.

Angry supporters of Were in the slum area of Dandora, the murdered politician's constituency, set fire to homes and shops owned by Kikuyus and brandished axes and machetes.

Police fired tear gas, and later live bullets, to disperse them, and beat them with clubs. An AP Television cameraman saw a policeman pursue protesters down a mud road, shooting at them with a pistol.

In the Rift Valley, about 5,000 people set fire to homes and smashed shop windows in Naivasha, dragging away goods. Five police officers fired into the air but were unable to control the turmoil. Naivasha's police chief tried to calm the crowd but was pelted with stones and fled in his car.

A police helicopter and two military helicopters then flew over the crowd and officers began shooting, sending people running in panic. A reporter saw two bodies with bullet wounds, but it was unclear whether they were shot by officers in the air or on the ground.

Reporters also watched the helicopters swoop down, with officers firing on a mob of armed Kikuyus pinning down hundreds of Luos outside the Naivasha Country Club. Kikuyus, armed with machetes and clubs inset with nails, had prevented the Luos from escaping for two days.

On Tuesday, police began evacuating them, and police chief Grace Kakai said the helicopters helped.

"There were very big crowds gathering and we had to disperse them so we used helicopter patrols. They were not firing at the crowd. We were trying to scare them, not hurt them," she said. Some 300 Luos had been evacuated, she said.

The Rift Valley has seen some of the worst of the postelection violence. At least 90 people were killed there over the weekend.

U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama, the Democratic senator whose father was Kenyan, appealed for peace on Nairobi's Capital FM radio station.

"Now is the time for all parties to renounce violence. Now is the time for Kenyan leaders to rise above party affiliations and past ambitions for the sake of peace," Obama said.

Kibaki and Odinga blame each other for the violence, which has driven 255,000 people from their homes. The two men have traded accusations of "ethnic cleansing." Human rights groups and officials charge the violence has become organized.

Obama said that "Most troubling are new indications that the violence is being organized, planned and coordinated." He added: "The senseless and tragic violence poses an urgent and dangerous threat to Kenyans, Kenyan democracy, and stability and economic development in a vital region."

On the diplomatic front, Kibaki and Odinga together with mediator and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan formally opened the "dialogue process," with the rivals under international pressure to share power.

Odinga insisted what needed "the most urgent attention" was the resolution of the flawed election results - an issue Kibaki has indicated is not negotiable.

Kibaki deplored the fact that some Kenyans "have been incited to hate one another and view each other as enemies."

Annan told them: "The people need you. They want you to take charge of the situation and do whatever possible to prevent the downward slide into chaos that is threatening this country."

[old300d]

I want to like Obama but his Church that gave L.F. that award freaks me out.

His church is pro Africa though and I like that.

Africa is in bad shape and to much attention is given to the middle east and not Africa.

So I looked on Mr. Obama''''''''s website to see where he stands on the problems in Africa.

Nothing ! I can''''''''t find anything on his website about Africa.

Plenty about the middle east. He didn''''''''t forget the Palestinians.

I was hoping if he were to become president that he might help out Africa instead of worrying so much about the Palestinians.

Mr. Obama, What is your stand on the bad problems in Africa. Post them on your website !

I hope our next president cares about the people on this planet that need our help the most !

[gwagener]

I wonder if Obama became President or VP if the US would send peace keeping troops to Kenya and other places in Africa? I suspect so, but I''m sure the US would be more involved in Africa with Obama as President.

[rushlimpdrug]

Obama''s stand on Africa:

"Why ask me, I''m white"

[gangesdak]

Read this news and vote for Obama.

[terrorislam6]

Posted by gangesdak at 12:34 PM : Jan 29, 2008

what country does hussein represent???

Obama Disrespects U.S. Flag!

Obama: No Hand on Heart for National Anthem
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2007/10/20/obama-no-hand-heart-pledge-either-will-msm-notice
http://bobmccarty.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/forget-lapel-pins-obama-disrespects-us-flag/
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/2/21/silent_gesture_gold_medalist_tommie_smith

Kenya, Islam and Obama Hussein
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/01/obama-islam-and.html
http://www.aina.org/news/20080106002912.htm
http://ztruth.typepad.com/ztruth/2008/01/im-barack-obama.html
http://www.newsweek.com/id/97058/page/2
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/raila-pact-with-muslims-made-public/878407526
Obama''s relationship with racists, Islamists ignored
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/campbell/080128

[terrorislam6]

hmmmm the manchurian candidate

you think

[terrorislam6]

hmmmm this is hussein''s tribe

Kenyan men from the Luo tribe armed with machetes and rocks enforce a makeshift roadblock, searching passing vehicles for Kikuyus trying to flee the town in order to kill them, on the main road to the Ugandan border near the airport in Kisumu, Kenya, Monday, Jan. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

[terrorislam6]

Who is being targeted?

Ethnic groups perceived as supporting Kibaki have been subjected to the bulk of the violence. Kibaki''s own Kikuyu community has been worst hit, and it is the poorest people, who live in densely packed slums or multi-ethnic rural areas, that are being killed, robbed and displaced, rather than the wealthy elite close to Kibaki who control a large part of the economy and live in the Central province or smart parts of Nairobi.

The Kisiis, regarded as pro-government, have also been targeted in the Rift Valley province. At informal checkpoints, passengers are being asked to give their identity cards so their ethnicity can be determined.

Reprisals by the Kikuyus, the largest of Kenya''s 43 ethnic groups, were inevitable, and there are accounts of revenge attacks. The Mungiki, a much-feared Kikuyu criminal sect, are strongly rumored to have been deployed in Nairobi''s slums to fight back against the mainly Luo supporters of Odinga.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/174494.html

muslims start the killing of non-muslims again

no surprise

[nolalou]

terrorislam6, why don''t you change your nickname to ''idiot6'', since every post you make on this forum only goes to re-enforce the fact that you haven''t got a brain in your sorry excuse for a head!

Obama has lead the pledge to the flag in the Congress! He is NOT a Muslim. (and if he was , so what! We do have freedom of religion in this country, or do you think that freedom should only be reserved for Christians!) terrorislam6 and people who think like you do are a bigger threat to American freedom than Obama, or anyone else running for president! I suggest you get a copy of the constitution and bang yourself over the head with it over and over until you get the message, since reading it obviously won''t help, you moron!

[terrorislam6]

Posted by nolalou at 02:45 PM : Jan 29, 2008

i guess that explains his 2006 trip to the fatherland to renew his attachment to his muslim relatives

This is a church that preaches black separatism and nationalism and has an unwavering commitment to Africa. Not to America, but to Africa.

It''s pastor lionized Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, one of the most strident racists sullying the soil of America, and traveled with this bigot to meet with terrorist leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Obama''s older brother is a militant Muslim who wants to impose Shariah law in Kenya. He says blacks must liberate themselves from "the poisoning influences of European culture" and urges Obama to embrace his African heritage.

instead of rounding up the japanes in ww2 we should have elected one president

good one

[dobags00]

I am African and I am a so angry at the way Africans handle themselves. To be honest, it seems as killing each other is what we do best for whatever reasons. Outside help is not necessary until some people learn and realise that not all things can be solved through violence. To include Obama in this matter is a waste of energy. Despite the fact that he is Half-African, he has western culture so is any black person who was born and grew up in the west. This might bring the arguement of what is African, is it the clor of one''s skin or what? If you are born in China and you are white and live there, are you not a Chinese in a way? Well, pity Kenyans have some problems to deal with and all that we can do is to pray for them. For you information, Africa is very rich but lack managers who can run the countries. Mostly, it is infested by greedy persons who are happy to take all the wealth and let the "sleeping dogs" wait for an American rescue mission to give them something. Well, that, needs to change. How, we have a long way to go as Africans. Instead of being racial, some of you, you need to send contructive information to African leaders so they can change. I like the You-Tube, and other sites which keep everyone in the US on their toes. That is the best way to and that helps the US in so many ways. Africa needs that.

[terrorislam6]

Posted by drbaloyi at 04:03 PM : Jan 29, 2008

TIA

obama put himself into it with his 2006 trip to kenya

[dobags00]

TIA

I would not say that it is an issue, look at this way, everyon ein the US is an immigrant. If Schwazneger (Sorry about the spelling) campigned to become the president, would you blame him and associate him with any mishaps that might take place in the part of Russia or where he is originally from? Most white Americans are from Europe, if EU faces problems will you blame everyone in the US? I guess your answer will be no. So, that has nothing to do with anything. If he is elected, I would not jump and praise anyone fro electing him for that matter. One need to understand the US politics to understand the US presidents. To complex someimes even for an American, ask yourself a question. Who run the US government? Then you will understand that there is nothing that might connect him with Africa.

[terrorislam6]

everything in politics is fair game

he has called the opposition leader, the group that started the violence that happen to be from his tribe and muslim that are pushing for shari laws in kenya when they are but 10% of the population.

not a very live and let live attitude

and obama is siding with them

in case you have not noticed radical islam has declared war on the usa and all non-muslims

obama is walking on thin ice now that he is backing radical muslims in kenya

[dobags00]

Radicals Muslims have long time declared war against human race. They have no grounds for anything. I would not trust the information that you shared. However, you need to read the whole story to understand it. Sometimes one need to befriend a lions to grab its kill. If he did, they must be a good reason, and the tribe issues in Kenya have no grounds. One can switch from for tribe to the other depending who is winning. So, all the information that is published might live a room for questions. Just like you said politics is a game. But who are the players and the spectators? In Obama''s case, there is too much that might be left out. One thing is that I respect the US and its people and the democratic system, only a few can cherish that. Lets see who will have the lions share in the political arena. But to focuss on the main article. Our comments should rather be inline and brining along solutions rather than ungrounded criticisms. Would you not agree to that? Note, like I said, I am an African and wish I knew how to help these lost souls, yet I feel lost too.

[lawyertom1]

Kenya is a wonderful country beset by graft and corruption. The current executive branch of the government needs to be tossed out immediately, if not sooner.

[lawyertom1]

While I frequently could not tell one tribal group from another, the locals informed me that they knew. As with a lot of these things, the physiologic or linguistic differences were often very minor. Reminds me of that silly episode from the first Star Trek series of the two guys locked in perpetual battle, one with a face black & white, and the other, white & black [left to right, respectively].

[terrorislam6]

of course hussein will save the radical muslims brothers and sisters

barack hussein obama(D-KENYA)
"You are all my brothers and sisters," Mr Obama told crowds of excited residents who craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the senator.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5290844.stm

WHAT COUNTRY DOES BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA PLEDGE TO?

Obama Disrespects U.S. Flag!

Obama: No Hand on Heart for National Anthem
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2007/10/20/obama-no-hand-heart-pledge-either-will-msm-notice
http://bobmccarty.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/forget-lapel-pins-obama-disrespects-us-flag/
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/2/21/silent_gesture_gold_medalist_tommie_smith

Kenya, Islam and Obama Hussein
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/01/obama-islam-and.html
http://www.aina.org/news/20080106002912.htm
http://ztruth.typepad.com/ztruth/2008/01/im-barack-obama.html
http://www.newsweek.com/id/97058/page/2
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/raila-pact-with-muslims-made-public/878407526
Obama''s relationship with racists, Islamists ignored
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/campbell/080128
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/29/world/main3763147.shtml

[gaaru-2009]

The healing process is finally underway.We hope it will temper the emotions and allow everybody a much needed breathing space !

[gaaru-2009]

Please leave Obama alone. Let him conentrate on his campaigns without bogging him down with the Kenyan crisis.To us in Kenya, He is as white as any Afican American and equally ignorant about Africa.

[terrorislam6]

Posted by gaaru at 04:43 AM : Jan 30, 2008

hussein put himself into kenya with his 2006 trip to meet his radical muslim brothers and sisters

and he has been calling the radical muslim leader during the crisis

there is nothing surprising going on in kenya

same thing that is going on in sudan, samalia, israel, lebanon, philippines, thailand, russia, yugoslavia, etc etc etc

radical retarded fascit naci terrorislam jihadist slavers and murderers are killing non-muslims like they have been doing fo 1400 years

The Truth about Islamic Crusades and Imperialism

Historical facts say that Islam has been imperialistic%u2014and would still like to be, if only for religious reasons. Many Muslim clerics, scholars, and activists, for example, would like to impose Islamic law around the world. Historical facts say that Islam, including Muhammad, launched their own Crusades against Christianity long before the European Crusades.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/11/the_truth_about_islamic_crusad.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/2004/08/the_muslim_crusades.html

the truth about fascist nazi terrorislam...
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/what-really-happened/

Islamic origins
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/pdf/compass/hico_058.pdf

Origin of Islam
http://www.allaboutreligion.org/origin-of-islam.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Origin+of Islam%3A Secular History

[terrorislam6]

hey hip hop hussein!!! tell your brothers and sisters to stop killing non-muslims

typical of the radical retarded fascist nazi terrorislamic jihadist slavers and murders

why is bho barack hussein obama backing them???

barack hussein obama(D-KENYA)
"You are all my brothers and sisters," Mr Obama told crowds of excited residents who craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the senator.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5290844.stm