1. Posted on Tuesday 8 July 2008 - 13:33

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   DeeDee

   

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   Dennis Itumbi, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya

   Embattled Kenyan Finance Minister Amos Kimunya finally bowed to pressure and resigned Tuesday.

   

   He said he had already sent his resignation letter to President Mwai Kibaki.
   
   Kimunya, however, maintained that his conscience was clear and was not involved in any wrong doing.
   
   He said he wanted the government to constitute an independent inquiry to investigate the matter.
   
   Kimunya said he reached the decision after wide consultations with his family and friends.
   
   He read out a brief statement to the media at the Treasury but declined to answer any questions citing advise from his lawyers.
   
   Kimunya was on the spot over the sale of Grand Regency Hotel, but he has maintained that the deal was above board.
   
   Prime Minister Raila Odinga is scheduled to address parliament this afternoon on the issue.
   
   More details to follow.

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1. Posted on Tuesday 08 July 2008 19:23

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   Dipesh

   

   Dipesh Pabari
   65 berichten
   Lid sinds September 2007

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   The Bunge La Mwananchi members arrested earlier today in demonstrations that finally caused Kimunya to cave in and resign from the finance docket, have been brutally beaten by the police officers that arrested them. The group of activists were beaten at the Gigiri police station and have sustained grave injuries. Mr George Nyongesa, Bunge La Mwananchi's leader, has had his arm possibly fractured at the elbow. Another activist has been hit by a baton in the temple and is unable to walk or talk. Several other members sport equally serious injuries. However, the OCS, Deputy OCS, OCPD at the Gigiri police post have all gone into hiding and the police officers manning the Gigiri police station have refused to enter the activists' complaints of injuries, stolen belongings, nor any charges in the occurrence book. Despite the injuries, the Gigiri police as well as the Central police have refused to permit the activists to receive medical attention. The DCIO at Gigiri indicated that the matter was being handled by central police while the central police equally shifted the buck to the Gigiri police. Those arrested have been taken to the Kibera law courts. It is unclear what charges will be preferred against them.

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   Dipesh Pabari

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