Cabinet
minister Mutula Kilonzo has said his life is in danger.
He
told Parliament Tuesday that he received two messages in a span of 30 minutes
in the afternoon telling him to "be ready to die".
He
said those sending him the threatening messages claimed responsibility for
terrorist activities in Kenya, citing Sunday’s grenade attack in Mombasa.
The
Education minister, who appeared disturbed by the messages, informed his
parliamentary colleagues in a personal statement about the threats on his life,
his family and his home after successfully moving debate on the TSC Bill, which
sailed through.
“Those
sending the messages are telling me to be ready to die,” he said.
He
proceeded to report the matter to police after Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim
directed that his security be beefed immediately in view of the threats.
Undermine
noble efforts
Mr
Kilonzo, who was recently transferred from the Ministry of Justice, said he is
ready to die for a just cause but that he found it necessary to inform the
House just in case the threats are executed.
“People like me do not do things to please
anyone, I only do what is right for this country,” he stated.
“As
a Christian, I am always ready to die, but it shouldn’t come from the end of
criminals and criminals out to undermine noble efforts,” he said.
He
informed the National Security Intelligence Service about the threats. He told
Parliament those threatening him have been using telephone numbers of their
sponsors.
Mr
Kilonzo wants police to trace and arrest those behind the threats. He said he
has been threatened before but never bothered to inform the National Assembly
Speaker.
“But
with these two messages coming 30 minutes apart, I think you should know so
that should anything happen to me then you will understand where it has come
from, he said.
The
Minister said he will not be intimidated.
“They
are in for a shock because I have no intention of changing the way I talk and
do things as a minister and in this Parliament, I am ready to die…,” he said.
Mr
Maalim said the threats will be taken seriously as they touch on the personal
safety of MPs.
“This
issue will be treated with all the seriousness it deserves,” he said, directing
the Sergeant at Arms to move with speed and boost the minister’s security.
“The
minister should discharge his duties without any fear…..terrorists or pseudo
terrorists will not deter government officials or leaders from doing their work
with diligence and commitment as they have done before,” he said.
Source: Daily
Nation
