The National Commission on Human Rights has thrown its weight behind opposition CORD’s right to hold a prayer meeting tomorrow at Uhuru Park,Nairobi. This is a bog boost to the opposition in what is seen as curtailing of rights of Kenyans as enshrined in the constitution.
The commission also apologised to Raila Odinga over its statement castigating Cord protests last week. Commission says it will defend right to and regrets wording of the statement during a meeting with Raila Odinga.
The rights body met former Premier and CORD leader Raila Odinga at his Capitol Hill offices today.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has told the government to allow CORD to hold their Wednesday planned rally at Uhuru Park as it is their right.
The commission chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori wants police to facilitate the meeting and ensure there is security for those planning the meeting. “The commission reiterates the Constitutional provision to the right to assembly as spelt out in Article 37 of the Constitution. We note that CORD has complied with the law that regulates the right to assembly by duly notifying the police of their intended rally. The commission also notes that the Nairobi City County has duly approved the use of Uhuru Park by CORD therefore clarifying and putting to rest the contested use of the Park by Cord.”
“There is no law that stops the right to assembly during public holidays,” said part of KNCHR statement. Ms. Mbogori said there is no basis for police to disapprove the Cord rally and that police have no authority over the administration of Uhuru Park.
“The commission reminds the police that it is their constitutional duty to facilitate the enjoyment of the right to assembly. Restrictions should be the exception not the rule,” she added.
More to follow
