Stop politicising Madaraka Day, Senator Cheruiyot tells CORD

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has dismissed plans by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to hold parallel Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.

Cheruiyot said CORD should desist from politicising the event arguing that the day has a great significance in the history of this country.

He urged the coalition principals to join other Kenyans in national celebrations as a sign of unity and cohesion.

Meanwhile, CORD has insisted that its planned rally scheduled for Uhuru Park will go on as planned despite claims that the venue had been reserved by Prayers without Boundaries Ministries.

On Friday, police had informed KANU Secretary General Nick Salat in letter that Uhuru Park is not available for CORD since it had been booked for three days by Prayers Beyond Boundaries Ministries.

Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero however released a statement hours later saying the venue had been reserved for CORD’s rally.

“The Nairobi City County Government, the trustees and custodians of Uhuru Park, are not interested in any confusion or politics of grandstanding. We hereby make public the parties with the full unhindered authority and power to use the venue come 1st June, 2016.” read Kidero’s statement.

The main Madaraka Day event, to be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, will be held at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

By Bernard Rotich