Meru residents join police in stopping demonstration

Meru County CORD patron Mike Makarena addresses the media in a press conference on May 23,2016.They plan to hold a series of demonstrations in Meru every Monday morning until IEBC commisioners leave office. Agitated youths countered the CORD demonstrators, forcing the police to disperse the two groups to avoid clashing. (PHOTO: PETER MUTHOMI/ STANDARD)

Police backed by some residents stopped a protest in Meru town by Opposition supporters. The  anti-Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) protest was disrupted by the residents, who said they did not want their businesses affected as a group of youths tried unsuccessfully to march to the commission's offices. The protest, led by Meru County ODM patron Mike Makarena and chairman Robert Kathata, started shortly after 11am at Nteere Grounds in the town.

The demonstrators, mainly youths, carrying anti-IEBC placards, were blocked by police officers led by North Imenti OCPD Sam Kosgei and Meru Police Station OCS Joseph Choyo. The officers had teargas canisters at the ready. Residents — mainly taxi drivers and shop owners — were also on the road, and said they would not allow the protests.