Nanok: No demos in Lodwar on poll day

Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok in this picture taken on May 22,2017. He has said no demos will be held in Lodwar town on October 26, 2017. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Turkana County defied the call for mega demonstrations across the country on October 26.

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and Turkana Central MP John Lodepe said there will be no demonstrations in Lodwar on Election Day.

Mr Nanok urged residents to maintain peace asking them not to be incited by political leaders to turn against each other.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr (Raila) Odinga should put the country first and negotiate so that there is peace in the country,” said the governor.

LOOTERS

He said peaceful demonstrations are allowed in the Constitution but they should be held in other towns and not Lodwar.

The leaders however said they will not participate in the elections.

Mr Lodepe warned that Lodwar could be exposed to looters taking advantage of the protests.

“I don’t agree with Raila on demonstrations. Don’t protest. Just sit at home. If we demonstrate police will shoot you and we will destroy the little investment we have in our growing town of Lodwar,” said the MP.

They spoke during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Moi Gardens in Lodwar town.

TALKS

In West Pokot, leaders called on Jubilee and opposition leaders to talk to solve the political impasse.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Makutano Primary School, the leaders said West Pokot county residents are ready for the October 26th elections hence urged police officers to beef up security in all the polling stations.

Led by West Pokot governor John Lonyangapuo the leaders asked more than 180,000 voters in the county to turn out and participate in the elections since they will be peaceful.

“As Kanu party we endorsed President Uhuru as our presidential candidate and we still support him in the next week’s polls,” said the governor.

Area Senator Samuel Poghisio urged the two presidential candidate’s Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga to put their political differences aside and dialogue to end the political stalemate in the country.

“A country does not only need an election but also it needs peace and unity. Raila and President Uhuru have disagreed over certain issues and the only way to save Kenya is through dialogue since divisive politics is going to create a rift,” he said.

Mr Odinga had on Wednesday said the opposition will hold countrywide demonstrations on October 26.