Investigations into the murder of two politicians in Marigat, Baringo county, are focusing on political rivalry and a multi-million diatomite project set to start operations soon.
A well-informed source told the People Daily that investigators have ruled out inter-community conflict as the reason behind the killing of Tiaty parliamentary aspirant Simon Pepe Kitambaa and Loyamorok MCA Kibet Cheretei.
According to the source, "It is very clear for some of us following the matter up that it is actually an internal thing," suggesting that local community politics were to blame.
Kitambaa, an expert in diatomite and general mining, was at the time of his death enjoying high approval ratings within and outside his community. He had been appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to the National Council of Population and Development Fund the previous year.
Claims Denied ¶
Former Baringo East MP Joseph Lotodo denied claims of speculation, asking Kenyans to allow investigators to do their work. "We should actually allow investigators to do their work because only they can tell us what really happened… that is the message we’re telling our people here," he said.
Baringo County Police Commander Richard Ndungu confirmed that investigations were at an advanced stage but declined to comment further.
Meanwhile, professionals from the Pokot community, led by Permanent Secretary in charge of Correctional services Micah Powon, held peace meetings in the conflict-prone Tiaty sub-county.
The deceased are set to be buried on Friday.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax.
