Politician's family killed
2002-12-22 14:48
Nairobi - Seven family members of a local council candidate in this week's general election in Kenya were killed when suspected arsonists set her home of fire in the central district of Nyeri, police said on Sunday.
"Unknown people set a civic candidate's house on fire on Saturday night, killing the candidate's husband, her daughter, and five grandchildren," central provincial police officer Enock Cheserek said.
The candidate, Dorcas Wambui, of the ruling Kenya African Nation Union (Kanu) party, was not at home during the attack.
"We are investigating the attack, but it seems like it is politically motivated," said Cheserek.
The attack occurred in Othaya constituency of Mwai Kibaki, the presidential candidate of the opposition National Rainbow Coalition (NARC).
The polls on Friday are regarded as the most important since Kenya's independence from Britain in 1963 because President Daniel arap Moi will be stepping down after 24 years in power.
- Sapa-AFP
- SAPA