The Machakos Senator described the use of excessive force by the police as unnecessary and indicated that the coalition will remain steadfast as they continue to exercise their democratic rights/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19 – The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) is set to resume its demonstrations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday even after the latest protest turned chaotic with dozens of people being injured in the melee.
While blaming the police for the pandemonium that occurred earlier this week, the CORD Coalition Management Board Co-Chair Johnson Muthama stated that the demonstrations will only be called off after all IEBC Commissioners vacate office.
The Machakos Senator described the use of excessive force by the police as unnecessary and indicated that the coalition will remain steadfast as they continue to exercise their democratic rights.
“Let the people not relent. We will remain steadfast. Nobody, including the government has the authority to rein roughshod over the people other than in compliance with the constitution,” he explained.
Siaya Senator James Orengo who is echoed his sentiments and pointed out that the coalition had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions to demand action against the police for their actions.
“We have written to the Director of Public Prosecutions asking him to institute investigations into the conduct of the police who broke our demonstrations using excessive force. We want the DPP to direct that those found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Orengo pointed out that the law requires that the police service should be non-partisan and impartial in the dispensation of duties.
He further singled out Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and the Nairobi Police Chief Japheth Koome and stated that their words and actions before the demonstrations had a direct impact on the behaviour of the police.
“Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has in word and deed taken up the operational duties of the police service. His language and rhetoric and that of Mr Koome had a direct impact and effect on the conduct and behaviour of the police on Monday for which he must take responsibility,” he stated.
The two leaders however pointed out that they are agreeable to talks mediated by the church if all parties including the government and IEBC officials come to the table to have a constructive dialogue.
They stated that should this occur, they will break off their demonstrations.
On Wednesday, religious leaders in the country stated that officials of IEBC can only be removed from office within the confines of the law.
READ: Religious leaders ask Opposition to follow law in IEBC dispute
The religious leaders who met the IEBC officials led by the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Reverend Canon Peter Karanja, insisted that the due process of the law must be followed.
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