Nakuru clergy support police for beating rioters

While many have condemned Monday’s confrontations between police and Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) supporters, a section of the clergy in Nakuru is now supporting the the manner in which the police handled the riots outside Anniversary Towers.

The Nakuru Church Elders Council said under Section 82 of the Penal Code, “police may use such force as is reasonably necessary for overcoming such riots and shall not be liable in any criminal or civil proceedings”.

Bishop Jackson Maina of Victorious Community Church said in a statement although the Constitution allows for demonstrations, it does not allow for those taking part in the demonstration to infringe on the rights of others by disrupting peace.

He added that in some instances, the demonstrators were seen provoking police officers. However, the security men chose to restrain themselves to contain the situation.

He noted that people cannot claim to take part in peaceful demonstrations yet most of them were armed with stones and crude weapons while others took part in looting and harassing innocent members of the public.

The Bishop stated that all are equal and have the right to protection and equal benefits of the law.

He dismissed CORD’s call to dialogue on matters IEBC adding that Article 251 of the Constitution is clear on how changes in the IEBC can be made.

He regretted that CORD members had resorted to using innocent youth in riots and unnecessary demonstrations.

Report by Roseann Ng’ang’a