Raila to be held accountable if IEBC protests turn violent, President Uhuru says

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto addressing supporters in Embu town on September 25, 2017 during his campaign tour of Embu and Tharaka-Nithi Counties. (Joseph Muchiri, Standard)

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said NASA leaders and their supporters are free to hold peaceful demonstrations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but warned that any violence or destruction of property would be met with the full force of the law.

“People are free to demonstrate but they must ensure that they do not destroy other people’s property. Mama mboga’s vegetables will not be destroyed. Businesses will not be attacked. Let them not think that they will break into other people’s shops and interfere with the daily routine of other Kenyans,” President Uhuru said.

He was speaking on Monday during his campaign tour of Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties.

The president took a swipe at opposition leader Raila Odinga, telling him to pull out of the fresh election if he is not ready, instead of attempting to sabotage the electoral process.

The Head of State was clear that he would not allow violence and anarchy to be unleashed on Kenyans under the guise of demonstrations against electoral agency IEBC.

He advised the opposition to stop fighting with IEBC and instead go to seek votes from the people.

NASA has officially notified Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome of their intention to hold peaceful demonstrations to force IEBC officials out.