Cord and Jubilee headed for clash over Uhuru Park
Senators James Orengo (right) and Johnstone Muthama leave Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo’s office at Jogoo House in Nairobi on July 2. 2014. They said the police boss had assured them of security during their July 7 rally. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE
What you need to know:
- James Orengo urged Kenyans to turn up for the rally to discuss issues affecting them
- Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has set aside Sunday for special prayers for peace
A showdown looms between Cord and Jubilee over the venue for their July 7 meetings after both claimed they had booked Uhuru Park.
Police spokesman Masoud Mwinyi confirmed that both coalitions had applied for the same venue for use on the same day and that a decision was yet to be made.
“Both parties have applied for use of Uhuru Park and we are currently negotiating so that the matter is resolved amicably,” he told the Nation on Wednesday after Cord senators James Orengo (Siaya) and Johnstone Muthama (Machakos) met Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo.
The two told reporters outside the Inspector-General’s office in Nairobi that they would hold their Saba Saba rally at Uhuru Park and that they had the government’s blessings.
“We have had a very fruitful meeting with the IG regarding the ongoing rallies and the culmination of the Cord meetings to be held at the Uhuru Park on Monday, July 7.
“Our lengthy meeting centred on security for the Monday meeting and we have been assured of maximum security to ensure that the rally is successful,” said Mr Muthama.
NOT AWARE
The senator said they were not aware of any parallel meeting scheduled on the same day and if there was any, Mr Kimaiyo “would have told us”.
Mr Orengo urged Kenyans to turn up for the rally to discuss issues affecting them.
He said Mr Kimaiyo had assigned Nairobi Police Commander Benson Kibue to arrange with them security requirements for the meeting.
“I would like to assure our supporters that we have the assurance of none other than the Inspector-General of Police of the Republic of Kenya on this rally.
“The fact that the government has given us the green light and even guaranteed us maximum security is an indication that our Constitution is highly appreciated because Kenyans have the freedom to hold meetings.” He said Kenyans were mature and would identify solutions to their problems.
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.
