Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Human Rights Watch called on Kenyan
authorities to investigate Monday's killing of militant cleric Aboud
Rogo Mohammed and subsequent riots.
Mohammed was described by the U.N. Security Council as an ideological
leader of a Kenyan group seen as a regional ally of al-Shabaab, an
al-Qaida affiliate in control of parts of Somalia. Demonstrations in
Mombasa turned deadly Tuesday following his death.
Human Rights Watch reported that demonstrators its researchers spoke
with said they were protesting the alleged role of the government in the
slaying.
Leslie Lefkow, deputy director of the Africa program at Human Rights
Watch, said authorities should respect the rule of law when responding
to demonstrations.
"The killing of Aboud Rogo is a serious crime that needs speedy
independent and impartial investigation," she added in her statement.
The government in Somalia is working to expand its influence beyond
Mogadishu as regional forces supports its struggle against al-Shabaab.
Lefkow said the Kenyan police are facing a "crisis of confidence' as
abductions of those thought to be affiliated with al-Shabaab increase.
Kenya has seen a rise in violence as the country prepares for elections next year.