Commission of inquiry into extra-judicial killings would waste public cash Kiraithe

Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe criticised demand for the formation of a special commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings in the county, arguing that such a body would be an utter waste of public resources.

Addressing a news conference at a Mombasa hotel, the Kiraithe said that the move – which has been fronted by members of the civil society – would be unnecessary as only police have the capacity to investigate the matter and prosecute the suspects.

Kiraithe argued that many commissions have been formed by various regimes in the country to investigate different issues, only to fail after squandering large amounts of money.

This comes as a section of legislators and civil societies in Mombasa County and across the country continue to insist that there is need for the formation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate alleged extra-judicial killings cases and disappearance of suspects in the country.

At least 101 people have been killed or have disappeared without trace within this year alone in the hands of security officers – this is according to the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), a non-governmental organization that deals with rights issues.

The latest victim is nurse Job Omariba who was found dead in Salama, Machakos County, days after he was last spotted in the company of people believed to be police officers.