Desist from using youth to cause violence, CORD leaders told

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders have been urged to desist from using the youth to cause unrest during their protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Speaking at the home of the late former Minister Soita Shitanda in Malava, suspended ODM youth leader Rashid Mohamed and Mahiakalo MCA Cleophas Malala said it was inconsiderate for the leaders to take advantage of the youth to push their political demands without giving any thought to their wellbeing.

“CORD leaders have been using the youth to push for their political interests with minimal consideration for their wellbeing. Whenever teargas is lobbed during anti-IEBC protests, CORD leaders would be whisked to their vehicles and driven off leaving the youth to battle with the police,” said Mohamed.

“IEBC is an independent entity in the country and there is no way to remove the commissioners through streets protests. Leaders like Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale should use their position to push for the removal of the commissioners in accordance with the Constitution.”

Malala said he does not support CORD protests adding that it is not necessary for the youth to die in protests for IEBC commissioners to go home.

“We cannot allow CORD leaders including Senator Bonny Khalwale to endanger the lives of the youth just for the sake of their political interests,” he said.

The last anti-IEBC demonstrations held on Monday left four people dead in Siaya and Kisumu Counties after protesting youth clashed with police officers who were attempting to thwart the march to IEBC offices.

Police Spokesman Charles Owino has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out investigations into the matter and take legal action against any officer found culpable.

Owino however said that police officers are allowed by law to use force whenever their lives and those of the public are in danger.

@benjaminwafula