Ugunja MP and National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi has hit back at Inspector of Police Japheth Koome for declaring planned demonstrations as illegal.
Speaking during a church service in Embakasi on Sunday, Wandayi questioned the criteria used by the IG to declare the intended demonstrations illegal saying they were acting within the Constitution.
“Recently they said we had given our notice late that is why they declared the passes Monday protests illegal. This time we have issued a notice one week in advance what other reason do they have to pronounce tomorrow’s actions illegal,” he questioned.
Wandayi said it was the intention of the drafters of the 2010 Constitution of all Kenyans to create a professional and independent police service but that is far from being achieved.
“Apparently in this country, the more things change the more they remain the same. As we speak the professionalism and the independence of the NPS is being eroded at an alarming speed,” he said.
“Let me tell Koome that the rights which are enshrined in the Constitution which Kenyans fought for are not favours from any particular person or authority and especially the right to congregate, to picket, to demonstrate and to do anything we want to do."
Koome has banned the planned countrywide protests by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition.
Addressing the media on Sunday in Nairobi, the IG said no one will be allowed to hold demos next week.
Koome asked Kenyans to come to work as usual and conduct their daily commitments as he pledged more security officers will be deployed.
“If they are doubting our results let them wait for tomorrow, if they think they can kill all of us we invite them tomorrow to do so,” he said.
Also present during the church service were Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, George Aladwa and Babu Owino.
