Kenya Times, Kenya
March 12 2006

Ndingi wants Raila’s allegation probed

By Agathat King’oo

CATHOLIC Archbishop Ndingi mwana a’ Nzeki has called for
investigations into the alleged presence of mercenaries in the
country.

Speaking yesterday after a service at the Holy Family Basilica,
Nairobi, Ndingi termed allegations by Langata Member of Parliament
Raila Odinga as serious adding Kenya’s security is at stake.

Raila first made these claims early this month when he said Russian
mercenaries were used to raid The Standard Media Group and were also
assigned to assassinate some opposition leaders.

`These are very serious allegations and Raila should be questioned to
establish the presence of any mercenaries. How did they get into the
country? Who brought them and why? And are Kenyans safe?’ he queried.

By Sunday police detailed to investigate the claims had not
questioned any of the suspects despite circulation of copies of
Armenian passports of two men.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) only confirmed seeing
the said documents in the media last Friday.

The travel documents indicated that the two men arrived in the
country early this year from Dubai, but have also visited Kenya in
the past on unknown missions. Ndingi said there is a possibility that
Raila’s claims are true and called on the government to investigate
the issue and make the findings to Kenyans.

`Kenyans are entitled to know the truth about these claims. After all
it is their security that is at stake,’ he said. Ndingi further
called upon Kenyans to rally behind the new team that President Mwai
Kibaki appointment recently to look into constitutional review
process.

He said he has confidence in the team led by Ambassador Bethuel
Kiplagat arguing that the chairman is an honest and courageous man.

` If I have been called a traitor by members of the Orange Democratic
Movement (ODM) because I support the Kiplagat team then so be it,’ he
said.