Government accused of masterminding coast massacres

CORD coalition has accused the government of being behind some attacks in the Coastal region in a bid to bring a tribal angle to the raids that have so far left more than 100 people dead.

In a statement released after a Cord Parliamentary Group meeting at Boma hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday, the coalition said the government has abdicated its duty in providing security for its people.

"CORD is disturbed and concerned that aspects of insecurity engulfing the Coast is the work of agents of the State and are deliberate diversionary tactic devised to tribalize the escalating security situation," said Cord. The statement was signed by its Principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula.

In a 12 point statement where the coalition unveiled a team of experts to spearhead the referendum questions, the opposition said the security of Kenyans is paramount.

"That the declining security situation in the country is a clear demonstration of a regime that has abdicated the highest calling of any responsible government to protect the lives and property of its citizens," said Cord.

The coalition observed that Kenyans continue to be ravaged by marauding gangs and terrorists in different parts of the country and the coastal region in particular, while the jubilee leadership continues with hollow rhetoric and never ending ultimatums that have "yielded nothing and exhibited little empathy with the victims of these attacks."

"We demand an overhaul of the security and intelligence management of the country and a comprehensive plan for peace and security for all residents of the coastal region in particular and the country in general," added Cord.

The ultimatum follows a month of sustained attacks by unknown gunmen in Lamu, Tana River and Mombasa counties. So far more than 100 people have been killed in Lamu and Tana River counties.

The wave of attacks seems to have shifted to Mombasa County with two attacks that have left six people dead in a span of two days.

The Star