Kenyan PM Condemns Mombasa attack as death toll rises to 4

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Kenyan Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi (R) soothes the wife of his slain body guard in Kenyan coastal city of Mtwapa, Oct. 4, 2012. Four people including Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi's body bodyguard were killed after suspected machete-welding members of the group, the Mombasa Republic Council (MRC), stormed a political rally which the minister was addressed and roughed up several other people. (Xinhua/Mbuyu Cazeiya)

--> Kenyan Prime Minister  Raila Odinga has condemned attack by hooligans at a rally that has so far claimed four lives in the coastal town of Mtwapa on Thursday.
Four people including Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi's body bodyguard died after suspected machete-welding members of the group, the Mombasa Republic Council (MRC) stormed a political rally which the minister was addressed and roughed up several people.
However, the minister escaped unhurt in the incident in Kilifi country which also left local politician Stewart Madzao injured and has since been admitted at the hospital.
In his statement Odinga said the act of hooliganism and terror stands condemned, adding that it has no place in the society.
"I wish to convey a message of condolence to families and friends of the innocent Kenyans who lost their lives during an attack by hooligans at a rally in Mtwapa early today," Odinga said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
"I say sorry also to Hon Amason Kingi who escaped from this attack but lost his body guard and to Stewart Madzayo who was also a victim in this attack."
The PM said the attack by suspected MRC members who have been calling for secession of the coastal region has no place in the society Kenyans are struggling and sacrificing to create.
"It is a misguided agitation that cannot and will not be tolerated at all. Those behind this attack must be pursued, arrested and brought to justice," Odinga said.
Meanwhile, the minister, who escaped unhurt, was treated for shock at a private hospital and later discharged. The doctors said he is in a stable condition.
Divisional police commander, Clement Wangai said the minister was attending youth rally in the area when five armed men emerged from the crowd and attacked the dignitaries.
Wangai said the minister's bodyguards were slashed as he shielded him from one of the attacker's when he was chopping off his right hand. He later succumbed to injuries after being rushed to the hospital.(Xinhua)