Government declares October 26 public holiday

The government has gazetted Thursday, October 26, 2017, as a public holiday to enable Kenyans participate in the repeat presidential election.

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i issued the Gazette notice in exercise of powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act.

This comes even as he opposition team led by Raila Odinga maintains there will be no election on October 26.

Speaking during a political rally at the historic Kamukunji grounds in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi, Odinga yesterday declared that the opposition’s “No reforms No election” campaign would henceforth change to “No election on October 26”.

He stated that on October 26, the National Super Alliance (NASA) and its supporters will hold countrywide demonstrations to continue pushing for key reforms at the electoral commission.

This even as President Uhuru Kenyatta warned that stern action would be taken against any individual who dares to disrupt the upcoming poll.

Meanwhile, the first batch of ballot papers for the repeat election will be flown into the country on Saturday, October 21.

All candidates who participated in the August 8 presidential poll have been included on the ballot paper for the election set for October 26.