CORD’s protests marred with cases of robbery and hooliganism

CORD’s third anti-IEBC protest was marred by cases of robbery and hooliganism with most businesses remaining closed for the better part of Monday with owners fearing vandalism and looting.

Several Nairobi residents were left reeling in desperation after some of the protesters snatched their phones and even threatened to attack them.

Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwanga was at one point forced to intervene after one of the supporters was accused of stealing a phone belonging to an innocent pedestrian who was going on with him normal business.

Businesses along Haile Selassie, Moi Avenue, Kimathi Street, Kenyatta Avenue and University Way closed early as the protesters marched towards IEBC offices at Anniversary Towers, located along University Way.

The protesters were at one point forced to attack one of the suspects after he was caught snatching a mobile phone from a by-stander.

The third protest was the biggest since the protests began four weeks ago, registering the largest procession ever.

The match began at Uhuru Park where CORD legislators led hundreds of supporters on their march towards IEBC offices.

The legislators, led by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyong’o, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo, led the procession through Haile Selassie Avenue and Moi Avenue to Kenyatta Avenue roundabout where they were joined by CORD leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetangula and Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Senator James Orengo, his Machakos counterpart Johnson Muthama and KANU Secretary General Nick Salat.

The team then proceeded to University Way through Moi Avenue before assembling at University Way.

None of the CORD leaders got an opportunity to address the supporters after police used teargas to disperse them.

Police sources say they could not allow CORD supporters to get to Anniversary Towers following intelligence that they were planning to use stones to destroy property and hurt people.

In a statement, Raila has, however, said they would not relent in their push to have IEBC commissioners vacate office saying they will hold another protest on Monday.

“Our peaceful demos were conducted in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kwale, Siaya, Kisii and elsewhere proving that Kenyans are tired of the perpetual incompetence and corruption exhibited by the Electoral body as presently constituted.”

“Despite the use of unwarranted force by the police, our constitutionally guaranteed and peaceful pickets shall continue next Monday and every Monday, thereafter, until the IEBC is reconstituted,” he stated.

CORD’s previous two attempts to storm the IEBC offices were also thwarted by police.

@benjaminwafula