NASA postpones Kisii rally after Jubilee takes intended venue

 

NASA leaders address the media at Agricultural Training Institute (ATC) Kisii after the Alliance posponed their planned rally that was set for Gusii Stadium on Monday. Jubilee leaders say President Uhuru Kenyatta will instead hold a political rally at the venue tomorrow. (Photo: Eric Abuga/Standard)?

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has postponed its planned rally that was set for Gusii Stadium on Monday.

This is after it emerged that President Uhuru Kenyatta is also set to hold a campaign at the same venue tomorrow.

Local leaders from both Jubilee and NASA maintain that they had booked and paid for the venue.

Kisii ODM leaders insist that the NASA secretariat had on July 27, 2017paid the County government Sh50, 000 for the usage of the Gusii Stadium.

NASA leaders led by Governor James Ongwae and Janet Ongera Woman Representative Candidate said that they had notified police well in advance.

"According to our plan, the NASA team was set to address mini rallies in South Mugirango, Bomachoge, Bonchari, Nyaribari, Bobasi and Kitut Chache before a major rally at the Gusii stadium. We do not wish to have confrontations with our competitors because we believe in democracy," said Ongwae.

He added: "As a community, we are accommodative so every political grouping is free to come and sell their agenda. We call on our supporters to remain steadfast and maintain peace as campaigns enter the home stretch."

Ms Ongera warned that Jubilee should respect the law adding that both President Uhuru and Raila are recognized by the law as candidates. "We are campaigning for a candidate who is set to win. We have not surrendered the victory," she said.

Regional NASA campaigns coordinator Richard Onyonka said that they take exception and feel that it is in bad test for Jubilee to force the usage of the stadium. “We want to give the presidency the protocol it deserves," he said.

However, Kisii County commissioner and Jubilee governor candidate Chris Obure said that they were not aware of any other rally at the Stadium other that of President Uhuru.

Speaking to The Standard, Obure said the President's function was set to go on. "Nothing will stop us from holding the rally. The parties have agreed on the way forward and this should not create any tension among residents," he said.

The County Commissioner Mr Samuel Njora told the media that only President Uhuru's rally is planned at Gusii stadium tomorrow.

"As security team, we are not aware of any other rally," he said as Jubilee branch chairman Mr Samuel Nyairo confirmed that they had paid for the usage of the stadium.?