US condemns police over cancellation of Limuru meeting

BY FELIX OLICK

United States Ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration has condemned the cancellation of last Wednesday’s Limuru 2B meeting, terming it a violation of Kenyan’s constitution rights.

Gration said that the incident in which the police used force to disperse people heading to the Jumuia Conference Centre undermined their universal rights of assembly and speech as is enshrined in the constitution.

"The events that transpired last week in Limuru, when force was used to undermine basic democratic freedoms, are a grim reminder of Kenya’s past," decried the envoy.

In a statement, the US Ambassador cautioned that ‘fear’ tactics and political intimidation should have no place in the country under the new constitutional order. He maintained that such incidences threaten Kenya’s bright future that everybody desires.

He however reiterated that the US is committed to being a reliable partner with Kenya in readiness for the forthcoming election.

"The United States remains committed to being a reliable partner and to working with the Government of Kenya to ensure that the upcoming elections are transparent, free, fair, peaceful, and credible," said Gration.

He urged all political leaders to work together and put the good of the country ahead of personal ambitions and ethnic politics.

The event during which the Police opened fire and lobbed teargas at thousands of youth has come under sharp criticism from many leaders.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga directed Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti to take action against the commissioner of police for using excessive force and cancelling the meeting.

Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa has also condemned the act and called on organisers of the meeting to take legal action against individual policemen.

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