Photo|FILE Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said there was a “hidden hand” in the Mombasa riots aimed at creating a wedge between Christians and Muslims.
Mr Odinga, fielding questions from journalists at the Nyali Beach Hotel, noted that the level of the riots and use of grenade was a pointer that there was someone controlling the attacks.
“Their intention is to divide the people of Mombasa into Christians and Muslims with the sole aim of creating an inter-religious conflict,” he said.
Security agencies, according to the PM, are investigating the violence and would bring to book those behind the chaos. (READ: Tension in Mombasa as Al-Shabaab suspect Rogo killed)
However, Mr Odinga refused to speculate or disclose the “hidden hand”, saying the spontaneous attacks in Mvita and Kisauni immediately after the burial of the murdered preacher was an indication of a mastermind.
At the same time, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said in a statement from London, UK:
“By targeting churches and other places of worship the intent of the perpetrators of such cowardly acts is to fan tension between people who ascribe to different faiths.”
Shariff Nassir Foundation chairman Abdullswamad Nassir asked the youths to stop the unruly acts, saying, Islam did not allow such atrocities.
And deputy police spokesperson Charles Owino on Wednesday denied claims that the police were involved in the killing of Sheikh Rogo.
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According to Mr Owino, the death of Mr Rogo may have resulted from his radical teachings on jihad (Islamic term for holy war) or his relationship with the Al-Shabaab may have gone sour.
“Mr Rogo was a fiery cleric whose teachings did not go well with other Imams because of his hardline positions on jihad. This caused differences that we do not want to overlook while investigating his killing.
“His relationship with the al Shabaab as their contact person in Kenya may also have a role in his death,” Mr Owino said.