CORD to resume anti-IEBC protests Monday if talks fail

CORD leaders led by the coalition leader Raila Odinga have threatened to resume street protests on Monday if Jubilee government does not invite dialogue on issues being raised about the electoral body – IEBC.

Speaking at Uhuru Park, Raila insisted IEBC must be reconstituted and Jubilee have until Friday to initiate dialogue.

The CORD leader says they will name a five member technical committee Thursday to spearhead the talks.

Responding to CORD’s decision on protests, the former Premier said that they were acting in accordance with the Constitution

Odinga further cleared the air on President Kenyatta’s invite to Afraha Stadium for the Madaraka Day celebrations during his visit to State House Tuesday  saying that he did not snub the meeting but the invite was rather late, something he says he already shared with the President.

Raila says that he assured the President that their venture was peaceful and that all they seek is for Kenyans to have a free and fair poll.

While conceding that he and former President Mwai Kibaki might have selected the current poll team, they must now leave office due to allegations of corruption facing them.

On his part, CORD co-principal Moses Wetangula said that they will on Thursday make public the names of those who will hold dialogue with Jubilee, further urging the government to present the names from their side by Friday to pave way for talks.

“Our desire is to dialogue with the Jubilee leaders is not weakness but because of our patriotism,” said Wetangula

“Our going to State House yesterday (Tuesday) was because of the cohesion we want for the country and to cure tribalism.”

Wetangula said that they will not accept unilateral appointment of IEBC commissioners and that the dialogue they are seeking is to ensure that every one with an ID should be enlisted as a voter.

Wetangula also strongly dismissed allegations that neighbouring countries among them South Sudan and Tanzania were supporting the coalition to disrupt the peace in this country terming it as utter foolishness.

Joining the rally via phone from China, co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Wetangula’s sentiments saying he will do all that needs to be done to send home IEBC commissioners.

Also present was KANU Secretary General Nick Salat, Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama and Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale among others.