CORD wants police to provide security during anti-IEBC march

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has called on police to provide its supporters with security during their Monday’s protest to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement, CORD stated that they plan to hold a peaceful march to IEBC offices located at the Anniversary Towers warning police against provoking them into violence.

“We appeal to security forces to give us security and refrain from actions that may ruin the peace. We are not and we shall never be enemies of Kenya,” CORD stated.

The coalition further called on its supporters countrywide to turn up in large numbers saying the protests have received clearance from court to proceed with the protests.

“You all recall that the courts last week gave us the green light to proceed with the protests and to keep the peace. We appeal to security officers not to engage in acts of provocation.”

“We intend to hold a peaceful protest. We appeal to all our supporters joining this country countrywide to be peaceful. In fact we direct all to carry white handkerchiefs in show of peace.”

CORD further noted that their mission is to push for the creation of an electoral infrastructure that will ensure free and fair elections that reflects the will of Kenyans.

Speaking over the weekend, CORD co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka said that they would not balk in their quest to ensure electoral reforms ahead of the 2017 polls saying they would not be cowed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery statement that police would use teargas to disperse them.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have also castigated CORD over the protests saying the coalition should adhere to the constitution in its push for reforms.

Their pronouncement has, however, been disputed by CORD leader Raila Odinga who said their initial plan to use the laid out procedure was frustrated by IEBC, in cohorts with Jubilee, by rejecting their Okoa Kenya signatures.

IEBC in its defence, has stated that it is ready to meet with CORD leaders and discuss the pressing issues saying they would, however, not be intimidated by CORD’s protests.

The commission chair Issack Hassan in his statements said proper mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the next elections are free and fair calling for Kenyans to support the process to ensure it is peaceful.

@benjaminwafula