State told to stop using police in legal protests

Police officers arrest Kakamega County Senator Dr Boni Khalwale who led CORD supporters in peaceful demonstrations. The Opposition in Kakamega accused the Jubilee administration of using the police 'recklessly' for selfish gains. (PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/ STANDARD)

The Opposition in Kakamega accused the Jubilee administration of using the police 'recklessly' for selfish gains.

Speaking during yesterday's demonstrations led by Senator Boni Khalwale, the Government was told to stop using the police to stop peaceful protests.

The demos lasted over two hours before police dispersed the crowd that was headed to IEBC regional offices.

Business at Kakamega Law Courts, the commissioner's offices, county government offices, and the county assembly located next IEBC offices were halted during the period.

"There is no wisdom in the Jubilee government sending officers to disperse peaceful demonstrators rather than dealing with corruption that is eating the nation. The police should be seeking killers of businessman Jacob Juma," said Dr Khalwale.

The demonstrators shouted 'No reforms no elections' suggesting that they will not participate in next year's elections with the current crop of IEBC officials.

ODM deputy party leader and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was, however, absent. He was said to be out of town, but his deputy Philip Kutima said they were in full support of the demos.

"We are against the current IEBC chiefs; they cannot be fair referee in any elections in Kenya. We are aware of all that is happening in town and everywhere in Kenya and fully support it," said Mr Kutima.

Solomon Mudanya, IEBC leader lower western (Kakamega and Vihiga), remained holed in his office together with a handful of workers as the chaos erupted.

He said police had beefed up security at the offices since the demonstrations started three weeks ago.

"We are up and running with our normal duties even as teargas canisters explode outside. There was also no tension among my workers," he said after the demos.

Those who wanted to access the IEBC offices were barred and asked to return the next day.

Asked whether there was a directive to bar visitors, including journalists, Mr Mudanya said there was none.

Police were forced to lob teargas canisters at the protesters when a group of youths became violent and started pelting uniformed officers with stones.