A politician who has been mentioned by sections of the media has denied being involved in the killings in Western. Speaking in his Mumias office yesterday, ODM youth league national chairman Rashid Mohammed distanced himself from the attacks in Western Kenya. “I am not the ring leader of the killings in Bungoma and Busia. Neither have I coordinated youth to engage in any criminal activity as alleged by some sections of the media,” Rashid told journalists in his office in Mumias. Rashid accused his political detractors of tainting his image “because they fear I may be their strong competitor in future politics”.
Reports carried in the media on Thursday last week and yesterday have indicated he is behind the attacks that have left over 10 people dead and many injured in Busia and Bungoma counties. “What do I stand to gain out of the killings of innocent residents in Bungoma and Busia where I have no political interest,” Rashid said.
He said he mobilised youth to drum support for ODM and the Cord alliance in Western region. “I coordinated youth to ensure order during the presidential campaign rallies by the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his running mate former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka,” Rashid said.
He said the move angered some big names in Western politics because they felt he had scored big over them. “They now want to use every means to tarnish my name and image,” Rashid said. The politician challenged leaders from Western region to concentrate on development and shun inflammatory statements aimed at fanning insecurity in the area.
He asked the police to move with speed and unearth the cause of the escalating insecurity in parts of Western province.
On Thursday last week, the Standard Newspaper carried a story describing 'Rashid' as the possible godfather of the village killings in Busia and Bungoma.
Yesterday, the Weekly Citizen on its front page linked Rashid to the attacks.