Cord seeks police protection as Jubilee threatens to 'prevent looting'

Cord steering committee co-chair Senator James Orengo and Johnston Muthama during a press conference in Nairobi on Sunday.Photo/Courtesy
Cord steering committee co-chair Senator James Orengo and Johnston Muthama during a press conference in Nairobi on Sunday.Photo/Courtesy

The opposition wants police to provide security following reports that three Jubilee politicians "will arm criminal gangs" to disrupt the peaceful demonstrations against the electoral body.

A Nairobi Jubilee youth leader had also to mobilize youths to thwart the anti-IEBC demonstrations.

Cord steering committee co-chair Senator James Orengo and Johnston Muthama said the demonstrations will remain peaceful but informed the police of the plans by Jubilee leaders from Nairobi to "disrupt, loot and cause chaos".

“We contacted the police that three legislatures have procured young men from criminal gangs to infiltrate the demonstrations giving details on where the crude weapons have been kept, people involved in planning and how they plan to execute the chaos,” Orengo said.

The Opposition said the protest against the IEBC was meant to create awareness against the election irregularities and send home commissioners.

“There comes a time when individuals should put aside personal interests and step down. We don't want a corrupt, a biased and an incompetent team managing our elections," he said.

"It remains a fundamental right to all citizens in the country to pick leaders through free and fair elections".

Muthama said the protests, which starts at 9:00 am from Uhuru Park in Nairobi will remain peaceful asking the police to pick them from the park and provide them with ample security.

He said the demonstrations will also include other political parties, trade unions and civil society groups from across the country.

“We are turning out in large numbers for demonstrations tomorrow than experienced before. The police must accord us security as citizens of this great nation as we play our role as the opposition,” he said.

Muthama said the government should not intimidate the opposition adding

“Our role is anchored in the constitution as well as our rights".

He said the opposition will this year hold its Madaraka Day on June 1st in Nairobi as Statehouse plan to host the event in Nakuru at Afraha Stadium.

“We have contacted Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to have the Madaraka Day event in Nairobi and he has allowed us to go ahead with the event," he added.

Cord called on Kenyans to turn out for the demonstrations against the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in large numbers.

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