Raila says CORDs anti-IEBC protests to continue Monday

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga has said that they will not relent in their push to force IEBC commissioners out of office, saying their next march will take place on Monday next week as planned.

Raila asserted that they will not be tyrannized by police brutality meted to their supporters during Monday’s protests saying their push for an overhaul of the electoral agency is in the interest of Kenyans.

“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,” stated Raila.

“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.”

Monday’s protests were CORD’s third attempt to force IEBC commissioners out of office over apparent ineptitude to hold a free and fair election in 2017.

The protests turned chaotic after police lobbed teargas at the protesters and their leaders as they gathered 50 metres from Anniversary Towers for a brief meeting.

Amidst the confusion, police pursued some of the protesters, beating them up leaving them with serious injuries.

Reports indicate that one person died after he was brutally attacked by police officers.

Jubilee leaders have accused CORD of holding the anti-IEBC protests saying the coalition leaders should be held responsible over cases of destruction of property and theft.

@benjaminwafula