There has been simmering tension between CORD and Jubilee with both of them claiming use of the venue.
In its letter dated July 1 with a stamp of approval, the head of the CORD secretariat Norman Magaya stated that the day will be significant as it will give Kenyans the opportunity to reflect and discuss the socio political state of affairs of the nation.
“We hereby request the use of Uhuru Park for a consultative meeting on July 7th 2014. It is our intention to give an opportunity once more to members of the public to share their views,” he indicated in the letter.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero stated that CORD had applied for use of the venue early and according to county laws, it was within its right to get approval since it satisfied all requirements.
“The CORD coalition was the first to apply for approval and they were within the timeline for application. As per the county laws, whoever applies first and meets the requirements has to right to get approval and that is why I gave he go ahead,” he said.
In the build up to the rally, CORD will hold other consultative meetings starting Friday at the Gusii, Busia and Ugunja stadia and on Saturday, it will move on to Kisumu.
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On Sunday, the coalition will be in Machakos at the Kenyatta stadium before the main rally on Monday.
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo gave a firm directive to all County Commanders to ensure the planned rallies are held peacefully.
Kimaiyo had said that it’s within the right of the Opposition to hold the rallies while assuring them that security will be heightened to ensure those who attend are safe.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has set aside Sunday for special prayers for peace.
A letter signed by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chairman John Cardinal Njue urged Kenyans to pray for peace.