by Francis Ngige

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has defended his officers over the murder of Mungiki spokesman Gitau Njuguna.

He said the police were not involved in the execution of Njuguna and investigation had been launched into the incident.

Speaking in Nyeri, Iteere said five witnesses had recorded statements with the police.

"Police officers have nothing to do with the murder of the Mungiki man. We are treating the incident as normal murder, which is under investigation," said Iteere.

He spoke at the Police Training College in Kiganjo when he closed a shooting competition involving police officers drawn from different units of the Force on Friday.

Iteere said a comprehensive response from the police would be made when investigations are complete.

He spoke as former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga claimed the leadership of Central province has been against him.

Njenga stated some government officials from central Kenya have formed a squad attached to the police known as Kwekwe whose main intention is to eliminate any dissenting voice.

But Iteere denied the existence of a special squad to deal with the outlawed Mungiki sect.

"There is nothing like Kwekwe squad. We use the police to maintain law and order and prevent any criminal activities," said Iteere.