Showdown looms as police say no to CORD demos

Showdown looms as police say no to CORD demos

A showdown looms between police and Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) supporters across the country on Monday after Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet rejected the opposition coalition notification to stage anti-IEBC protests.

According to a statement from police headquarters, the move was necessitated on account of a valid court order and Boinnet warned that police will deal firmly with anyone breaking the law.

“We wish to inform that the notification cannot be honored on account of valid orders issued by the High Court of Kenya on 29th April 2016, with two further extensions issued on 6th May 2016 and on 26th may 2016, barring any demonstrations against IEBC. Consequently, any violations against the Orders will be dealt with as required by the law,” read the statement in part.

Police have also warned those planning counter demonstrations against the CORD protests that equally risk being arrested if they disobey the law.

This comes just hours after CORD said they would  resume weekly anti-IEBC protests on Monday after President Uhuru Kenyatta ruled out talks on the disbandment of the electoral body outside Parliament.

In a letter by CORD Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Norman Magaya, the opposition coalition notified Nairobi City County Commander Japheth Koome of a planned peaceful demonstration to call for the removal of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.

CORD had requested police to organize for the necessary security to ensure the safety of all leaders and wananchi who will participate in the demonstrations.

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CORD IEBC Police Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission

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