Jubilee ready for talks over IEBC, says Johnson Sakaja

Jubilee is ready to holds talks with the Opposition over the reconstitution of the electoral commission.

Deputy President William Ruto asked the Opposition to stop street protests, saying the Government was prepared for "structured constitutional dialogue in Parliament".

"Street engagement can only breed chaos, bloodshed, destruction and anarchy. Structured constitutional dialogue in Parliament is the only credible alternative. Representative parliamentary committee is ready for the job," Ruto said from Turkey.

And the National Alliance (TNA) Chairman Johnson Sakaja said Opposition chief Raila Odinga and other leaders and supporters must let Parliament resolve the stalemate facing the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Speaking in Nairobi yesterday, Mr Sakaja said the chaos witnessed in most parts of the country during the weekly CORD protests to push out IEBC commissioners were unnecessary.

"We are very ready to come together in the National Assembly to resolve the IEBC matter once and for all. Once we have exhausted the avenue of Parliament as provided by the law, then we can seek extra constitutional avenues," the nominated MP said.

Sakaja maintained that there was no way IEBC officials can be forcefully removed from office, and appealed to Opposition leaders to follow the law as they seek to disband the polls agency.

"The Opposition has the finest lawyers starting with CORD principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang'ula and Senator Amos Wako. They know very well that riots will not lead to disbandment of IEBC. Kenyans are tired with violence," he added.

Sakaja condemned the brutality meted by police officers on protesters, but appealed to the public involved in protests not to engage in any illegal activities. He said some actions by the public may provoke police officers into using force.

He added that despite picketing and demonstration being a constitutional right, protesters must engage in the activity peacefully and without breaking any law.

"Many people have been hurt in the protests after they pelted police with stones. The right to demonstrate should not prevent another person to earn their living or threaten the lives of another persons," said Sakaja.