The murder of opposition MP Chérubin Okende in Kinshasa aroused great emotion and raised many questions. The circumstances of his death are described as worthy of a horror movie, provoking reactions of dismay from former Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito and his party, the New Elan.
In a statement, New Elan Secretary General Blanchard Mongomba expressed his party’s deep sadness at what he called a “tragic death”. The conflicting accounts and the lack of clarity surrounding this politically charged case have Muzito supporters calling for clarification.
Adolphe Muzito and his supporters call on the competent authorities to speed up the ongoing investigations in order to establish responsibility and punish the perpetrators of this heinous act. As the political party and biological family of Chérubin Okende, the former Minister of Transport, Muzito expresses his deepest sympathy.
According to the testimony of Chérubin Okende’s bodyguard, the spokesperson for the Ensemble pour la République (ER) was kidnapped on Wednesday July 12 in front of the premises of the Constitutional Court. Unfortunately, a day later, his death was announced, his body riddled with bullets. Since Thursday afternoon, the body of the deceased has been kept in the mortuary of the Cinquantenaire hospital.
This shocking killing highlights once again the security challenges and political violence that persist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also raises questions about the need to strengthen protective measures for opposition politicians.
It is essential that light be shed on this case and that justice be served. The international community must also put pressure on the Congolese authorities to guarantee the security and protection of politically active people.
Pending the results of the investigation, the death of Chérubin Okende remains a tragedy that recalls the fragility of the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is imperative to put an end to this spiral of violence and establish a climate of security conducive to the holding of free and fair elections.
Pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding this murder, the Congolese population expresses its sadness and solidarity with the family of Chérubin Okende and with all those who are fighting for a better future for the country