Why Opposition put off street demonstrations

NASA indefinitely called off its planned demonstrations, which were to resume in Nairobi Friday

The ongoing debate on the Peoples Assembly and the "successful" boycott of some consumer products are the reasons NASA suspended its planned street protests.

In a statement to newsrooms, NASA indefinitely called off its planned demonstrations, which were to resume in Nairobi Friday.

The NASA leaders agreed in a meeting at its Okoa Kenya offices to hold back on demonstrations until all the county assemblies pass the 'People's Assembly' motions which seek to nullify the results of the repeat presidential election results.

"NASA wishes to notify its supporters that the peaceful protests for electoral justice that had been scheduled to take place on Friday have been postponed until further notice," said the statement signed by Siaya Senator James Orengo.

He said this would allow the Opposition to support ongoing debates at county assemblies its its strongholds.

"A new date will be announced in due course. NASA in the meantime wishes to congratulate the county assemblies that have so far debated and passed the Motion on Peoples Assembly and encourages those yet to do so to move with speed and give Kenyans a chance to decide their destiny," stated Orengo.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed told Saturday Standard the decision to postpone the demonstrations was reached to give county assemblies time to debate the motions.

"We are also taking stock of the status of the boycott of the products. The process is very successful and biting and the firms are learning hard lessons. We will soon get back to the streets," he said.  NASA will hold a political rally in Embakasi East, Nairobi tomorrow. Nasa co-principal Musalia Mudavadi said Raila's deputy Kalonzo Musyoka, who has also been out of the country, may not attend Sunday's rally. The Opposition will hold another rally in Nairobi's Kamkunji area on Tuesday, Mudavadi added.

The coalition's National Resistance Movement (NRM) wing had notified Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome of the Opposition's intention to hold the demos.

The notice had, however, not mentioned the streets where the demonstrations would be held.

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i had banned demonstrations in the Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa city centres but this was overturned by the High Court.

 [Jacob Ng'etich and Allan Kisia]