NASA asks police boss to provide security in new planned protests

NASA supporters demonstrate along Nairobi Street on 6 October 2017 as they demand the removal of IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba and reforms before the election. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The Opposition has announced plans to increase its demonstrations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission next week.

In a letter to Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome, the National Super Alliance (NASA) requests to hold demos on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“The demonstration will be peaceful in nature and to ensure orderly procession. The coalition has made arrangements for peace marshals who will guide and manage demonstrators,” a letter by head of NASA secretariat Norman Magaya read.

Mr Magaya also asked Koome to provide the necessary security to ensure safety of Opposition leaders and Kenyans who will participate in the protests.

Jubilee Party Secretary General likened the NASA anti-IEBC protests to terrorism.

Speaking during a local TV station interview on Thursday evening, Raphael Tuju said NASA’s protests to force the removal of some IEBC officials before the repeat presidential election slated for October 26, played on people's fear and was therefore unacceptable.

“They are playing on peoples fear. That is the same play terrorists play on us… blackmail, blackmail, blackmail,” said Tuju.

"We cannot have people blackmail Kenyans that if it does not go their way, they will go to the streets," he added.

On his part, NASA CEO Magaya called Tuju’s take a barbaric argument that was not tenable in a modern democracy.

Magaya said criminals calling themselves the ‘Nairobi Business Community’ were planning to attack NASA supporters during demos.

NASA accuses the poll officials of bungling the August 8 presidential election in favour of the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta.