Cord members in Mombasa keep off anti-IEBC demos as Governor Joho is away

A vehicle carrying Cord leader Raila Odinga drives away after police threw teargas at anti-IEBC protestors in Nairobi on May 16, 2016. In Mombasa, no protests were held as Governor, who is expected to lead them, is out of the country. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Joho is in Antalya, Turkey for the First Annual Strong Cities Network Global Summit.
  • Wiper Party Secretary-General and Mombasa Senator Omar Hassan declined to comment on the issue.
  • Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir said there was need for a collective effort from the leaders majority of whom he said are not within the county.
  • Meanwhile, IEBC offices in the county were operating without any hitch.

Cord members in Mombasa did not take part in the countrywide protests by the opposition that seek to kick out the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to the ODM Mombasa branch chairman Mohammed Hatimy, the members are waiting for their leaders in the county to lead them in the protests.

“We cannot do anything because Governor Hassan Joho is not around and he is the deputy party leader.

“We have to wait for him so that he gives us the way forward. We met last week with other leaders to discuss about it and saw the need to wait for the governor,” said Mr Hatimy.

Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir on his part said there was need for a collective effort from the leaders majority of whom he said are not within the county.

“Our deputy party leader and about three MPs are not around, that is why we are waiting to strategise together. We need to ensure that it is a collective step because that is better for all of us,” said Mr Nassir.

For the past one week, Governor Joho has been in Antalya, Turkey for the First Annual Strong Cities Network Global Summit.

Meanwhile, IEBC offices in the county were operating without any hitch.

IEBC West and South Coast Acting Regional Coordinator Hussein Abdulwahid said they were operating with no fear as they enjoyed ‘good relationship’ with politicians from the region.

“We are not worried, our offices are operating as usual and anyone who comes will be served. We have not had any issues with any protesters so far,” said Mr Abdulwahid.