We will not allow violence during Monday’s anti-IEBC protests, Kalonzo says

CORD co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has said that there will be no place for violence during the coalition’s anti-IEBC protests on Monday.

Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Saturday, before a meeting with Wiper members, Kalonzo accused Jubilee of hiring goons to disrupt their protest march last Monday saying they will not tolerate similar incidents tomorrow (Monday).

He accused the goons of turning an otherwise peaceful protest violent, looting public property and hurling stones during last week’s protest, calling on CORD’s supporters not to fall prey to acts of provocation from their rivals.

The Wiper leader maintained that the protests would go on as planned, calling on police officers to provide security during the march

Kalonzo appealed to CORD supporters to carry white handkerchiefs as a sign of peace urging the police to take action against the hired hooligans out to cause violence.

Monday’s protests will be the fourth in a span of one month, as the coalition pushes on with their move to have IEBC disbanded.

The coalition leaders have stated that they do not trust IEBC to carry out a free and fair 2017 General Election, and called for a total overhaul of the commission to ensure fairness.

Kalonzo was accompanied by Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho, Senator Hassan Omar, Nyali MP Hezron Awiti among other leaders.

Speaking in Garissa on Saturday, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale faulted CORD for pushing for the removal of Issack Hassan through unconstitutional means saying their aim is tantamount to violation of the constitution.

“In 2010, Raila told Kenyans to support the constitution without changing even a full stop. It is hypocritical for them now to change tune and push for the removal of IEBC commissioners without regarding the same constitution,” he said.

CORD had last week announced that they were ready to engage Jubilee in dialogue over the electoral reforms necessary to instill confidence in the electoral system ahead of the next election, but later abandoned the demand after Jubilee insisted that any engagements should be done through the parliamentary process.

CORD leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetangula and Kalonzo have vowed to carry on with the protests every Monday until the commissioners vacate office.

Raila was quoted on BBC over the weekend saying there will be no elections in Kenya if the current IEBC is not reconstituted.

By Patrick Kanga