ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), an organization that represents over 11 million Kenyan Muslims, has urged the release of Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who was arrested in connection with mid-June's deadly attack in the coastal city of Mpeketoni.
"SUPKEM on behalf of Muslims demand that Governor Timamy be released unconditionally to ensure stability in the coast region," SUPKEM Secretary-General Adan Wachu told Anadolu Agency on phone.
"We are courting a larger problem by detaining Governor Timamy. Reports from our offices in the region are clear that the locals are not happy at all with the developments," Wachu added, arguing that Timamy was used as a scapegoat.
"As long as he remains detained, animosity between the indigenous Lamu residents and settlers from other parts of the country will reach beyond help," Wachu warned.
"This is the time that the people of Lamu need their leader. There are sensitive issues that need to be addressed in Lamu and this cannot be done while the governor is behind bars," Wachu added.
Timamy, the highest-ranking official to be arrested over the Mpeketoni attack, is facing murder and terrorism charges.
His United Democratic Forum Party (UDF) has also protested his arrest, claiming it was a cover up for the attack that left more than 60 people dead.
He was arrested last week upon arrival in Lamu and detained there before he was arraigned at a Mombasa court last Thursday.
Ten people have been arrested so far in connection with the attack, which the government blamed on "incitement" by local politicians - despite a claim of responsibility by Somalia's Al- Shabaab militant group.
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