Raila in Nyanza to drum up NO elections call

NASA presidential leader Raila Odinga during a rally at Kamukunji grounds on 18th October 2017. PHOTO:WILBERFORCE OKWIRI

?National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga Thursday said they would continue with demonstrations to push for electoral reforms.

He said NASA was not ready to relent on their push for changes in the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a free and fair election.

Raila said the resignation of IEBC commissioner Roselyne Akombe on Wednesday confirmed the statements that there were problems at the commission.

In her resignation letter, dispatched from the US, Akombe said she made the decision out of frustration that the commission was unlikely to conduct a free and fair election.

Later, IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati complained that the commission was too divided and he could not guarantee a free election. 

The Opposition chief maintained NASA would not participate in the repeat presidential election next Thursday until their demands were met, including the removal of IEBC officials who bungled the August 8 election.

"We have always said there are problems at IEBC and the resignation of Akombe confirms this. That is why we are saying NASA will not participate in the repeat election until the necessary reforms are carried out."

Raila was speaking in Bungoma County, where he held rallies in Webuye, Miskhu, Kamukuywa, Chwele and Bungoma towns. Bungoma town residents waited for the Opposition leader from 10am until 7pm.

Today, Raila is expected to lead Opposition leaders to rallies in Siaya and Kisumu counties, where they will amplify calls for their supporters not to take part in the election.

Yesterday, Nyanza presidential elections campaign co-ordinating secretariat said one of today's rallies will be held at Ogango grounds in Kisumu.

Former nominated MP Oburu Odinga, Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga and former MP Paddy Ahenda said there would be no election in the region.

Raila headed to Bungoma after meeting IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

Another meeting between Raila, Uhuru and Chebukati was cancelled but reasons were not given.

Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto intensified their campaigns, maintaining the election will be held as scheduled.

They said they would not allow the Opposition to stop Kenyans from exercising their democratic right to choose their leaders.

Uhuru assured voters the Government would provide them with adequate security.

NASA rallies in Kisumu come just days after several people were shot during anti-IEBC demos.

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