Cord in new plot against IEBC as court Okays demos

Cord supporters during anti-IEBC demos in Kisumu on June 6, 2016. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) has indicated it will change tack in pushing for the removal of electoral commission officials from office.

Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, Cord leaders James Orengo and Johnson Muthama said the weekly demos will be held twice — on Mondays and Thursdays.

Further, the duo indicated that the protests could be called daily if, after a fortnight, the government does not agree to talks to solve the stalemate.

This came after the High Court declined to stop the Opposition from holding demonstrations seeking the removal of officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Justice Joseph Onguto ruled that Cord leaders and their supporters can hold demonstrations except that the Inspector-General of Police should ensure security and public safety during the picketing.

The judge ordered that Cord leaders and their supporters can hold demos after they issue a notification as required in the Public Order Act.

The judge said he would give directions on June 13 on the application in which five Jubilee MPs want Cord principals held for contempt following destruction of property and hooliganism during past demonstrations.