National Super Alliance defies Matiang’i order, hold protests in Nairobi CBD

Siaya Senator James Orengo addresses NASA supporters at the Uhuru Park, Nairobi, during a demonstration to oust IEBC officials October 9, 2017. Pic: Pius Cheruiyot.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) on Friday defied orders by the Government and held protests in Nairobi CBD to force changes at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials ahead of the repeat presidential poll on October 26.

The supporters and several leaders marched through the city chanting anti-IEBC slogans and called for the removal of IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba.

 

Anti-riot police guard IEBC headquarters at Anniversary Towers (Photo: Courtesy)

 

Siaya Senator James Orengo had earlier (Friday) pointed out that according to the law, police should protect peaceful protesters and not attack them.

He indicated that the NASA brigade would march to the IEBC headquarters at Anniversary Towers to push for reforms in the electoral body before the fresh poll.

"The constitution says it is up to police to protect those demonstrating and protect people’s property. We presume Matiang'i's order was hot air. From here we are marching to IEBC headquarters as we have always done,” said Orengo.

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i banned NASA demos in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa town centres on Thursday.

“The Government notifies the public that demonstrations shall not be allowed within the CBDs of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The Inspector General of Police has been advised accordingly,” said Matiang’i.

“In accordance with Article 254 (4) of the Constitution and pursuant to the powers accorded to me by section 22 of the Public Order Act, I will be gazetting regulations that will govern the conduct of public processions and demonstrations,” he added.

The Opposition vowed to defy the orders by Matiang’i saying that they must ensure reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are effected before the repeat presidential poll on October 26.

“If you notify the police on an intended demonstration, you do not require any response from the police except if somebody else has booked the venue where you intend to demonstrate or if there’s any danger to your life or limb as the person who’s going to demonstrate,” lawyer Otiende Amollo pointed out.

He also asked the CS to stop any action against NASA CEO, Norman Magaya, for allegedly failing to contain demonstrators who turned violent in past protests.

On Thursday Matiang’i asked people who had lost property during the October 6 demo in Nairobi to record statements at the city’s Central Police Station to facilitate investigations on  Dr Magaya.