Raila dares IG Boinnet, CS Nkaissery to punish CORD’s VIP bodyguards

CORD leader Raila Odinga has dared Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and Interior Cabinet Secretary Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery to punish VIP bodyguards involved in last Monday’s anti-IEBC protests.

Addressing residents of Sirongo beach in Bondo on Sunday, Raila stated that under the Constitution, the police department is an independent body, which should not be cajoled by the government.

He accused IG Boinnet of acting on orders from the executive by threatening to take action against the bodyguards who were seen shielding political leaders from police during the mass protests.

The ODM leader’s assertions are in response to an order from Boinnet last week warning police officers attached to political leaders against taking part in activities that may be deemed illegal.

In his statement signed by National Police Service spokesman George Kinoti on Thursday seemingly directed at bodyguards of CORD principals Raila Odinga, Moses Wetangula and Kalonzo Musyoka and other coalition legislators, the IG told the officers to discharge their duties in strict conformity with the law and the service standing orders.

He stated that failure by the officers to comply with the directive may lead to severe disciplinary sanctions including dismissal as well as court action.

“The Inspector General, National Police Service has cautioned all police officers attached to VIP protection to refrain from getting involved in situations that may be in breach of the law while accompanying their respective VIPs,” read the statement.

The directive comes as clips and photos from Monday’s anti-IEBC protest show several police officers attached to CORD leaders shielding them from police who were pushing them away from Anniversary Towers gates.

According to Article 245 2(b) of the Constitution, the Inspector General shall exercise independent command over the National Police Service, and perform any other functions prescribed by national legislation.

There is some leeway in Section 4 which gives the CS powers to give a direction to the IG to matters of policy for the National Police Service though clarifying that no direction should be given in regards to investigation of offences, enforcement of the law against any particular person or employment, suspension or dismissal of any member of the National Police Service.

The march turned chaotic after police repulsed CORD supporters as they attempted to bring down the gate and access IEBC offices, resorting to using teargas to disperse them.

CORD has however restated their resolve to push for the removal of IEBC commissioners saying they are not fit to oversee the 2017 elections.

In a press briefing Wednesday, CORD leader Raila Odinga said that they will hold anti-IEBC march on every Monday from next week to force the commissioners out of office.

Jubilee MPs have however moved to court to stop the marches in a case that will be heard at the High Court on Friday.

@benjaminwafula