Riot police drive out Nasa protesters from CBD
What you need to know:
- Dr Matiang’i had on October 12 outlawed Nasa demonstrations in the CBD of three cities: Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
- Mr Wandayi said they will proceed with their election boycott.
National Super Alliance legislators were on Tuesday forced to call off their anti-IEBC protests in Nairobi city centre as they retreated to the drawing board after being driven out by police.
Led by Siaya Senator James Orengo and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, the lawmakers were dispersed as they tried to make their way to the CBD and Anniversary Towers, the headquarters of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
RIOT POLICE
The demonstrators, who were chanting anti-IEBC songs, were forced to abandon their mission and flee after riot police used tear gas to disperse them as they approached the Uhuru Highway/Kenyatta Avenue roundabout.
Senator Orengo accused the police of using excessive force and not allowing them to exercise "our constitutionally given right" to protest.
"This is blatant violation of rights of Kenyans. The police should not behave this way even when the court has lifted the ban outlawing anti-IEBC demonstrations in the CBD," Mr Orengo said as they called off the demonstrations before regrouping in Kilimani where they issued a statement.
DEMOS BAN
Last week, High Court Judge Chacha Mwita lifted an order by acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i banning Nasa demonstrations in the CBD.
Dr Matiang’i had on October 12 outlawed Nasa demonstrations in the CBD of three cities: Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He said the move would ensure that businesses are protected after the protests turned violent.
"We cannot go on this way. It is unfortunate to see people’s cars being smashed, property being destroyed in the guise of a peaceful demonstrations. We must respect the law," he had said.
PANAFRIC
Mr Wandayi said: "We are going to demonstrate in compliance with the directive of our President, Raila Odinga. Contrary to Matiang'i's misconception, our demonstrations are not tied to IEBC's so-called campaign timelines."
The group had met at Panafric Hotel before walking to the CBD.
They had first gathered at an undisclosed venue in Westlands before switching to Panafric after learning that the police "were coming" for them.
BOYCOTT
Mr Wandayi said they will proceed with their election boycott.
"Matiang’i should know better that we are not campaigning for any election.
"Our presidential candidate withdrew his candidature and his co-principals have been clear that there will be no election. So, what's Matiang’i looking for?" he asked.
He added that "Our message to the people is that there will be no election and therefore, they should not come out to vote".
Nasa leader Raila Odinga pulled of out of the fresh presidential election, citing lack of IEBC’s willingness to guarantee a credible process.
