Boinett declares anti-IEBC protests illegal

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinett has issued a stern warning to Cord leaders against taking part in anti-IEBC demonstration on Monday.

The warning came a time when opposition leaders have maintained their ground that the demonstration will take place as longer as there is no dialogue regarding the issue.

Addressing journalists at Diani Police Station on Sunday, Mr Boinett said the demonstrations are illegal and those who will defy the order will be dealt with in full force of the law.

He added that National Police Service was only aware of the court order which allowed Cord leaders to hold a rally at Uhuru Park on June 1, and not about the demonstration.

“Our responsibility is to enforce the law as it is, if they disobey the law and go to the streets we, the National Police, will do what we are required to do,” he said.

Mr Boinett, at the same time, has to deal with insecurity matters in Kwale County. Recently, three members of Nyumba Kumi were killed in Bongwe village, Msambweni sub-county, by people who are believed to be members of the Al-Shabaab terror group.

Commenting on the issue, the IG said investigations are ongoing, expressing optimism that they will be arrested in due course.

“The incident saddened everyone having in mind that Diani is a tourism hub and there are people who can do anything to ensure that the sector collapse,” he said.

Still on the issue, Mr Boinett confirmed that Msambweni OCPD Joseph Omijah and Deputy County Commissioner Mwangangi Mwania have been transferred.

Mr Mwania has been transferred to Turkana and Mr Omijah to the traffic department in Nairobi to pave way for new officers who can restore sanity in the area.

The transfers were effective a few days after Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa accused members of Msambweni Security Committee for sleeping on the job.

Mr Marwa who visited families of the deceased said the incident will be followed by transfer of senior government officers in the sub-county.

“We believe the new officers who have come will help us to restore sanity in this area and we cannot do that without the support of members of public,” Mr Boinett said.

Additionally, he assured members of the Muslim community across the country of their security and safety during the holy month of Ramadhan.