PRESS RELEASE
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) condemns in the strongest terms possible the invasion and harassment of staff at CORD Leader Mr. Raila Odinga’s private office at Capitol Hill in Upper Hill today by goons hired by Jubilee.
The ugly incident which began right from Kayole in Eastlands to Upper Hill is not only unlawful and unconstitutional but also uncouth and an act of hooliganism. It is dishounarable, barbaric and archaic for Honourable Members of Parliament to organise such a horrible and pathetic demonstration in the name of protesting the burning of a motor vehicle which we have evidence that it was set ablaze by their own people with the aim of portraying CORD as violent.
Six people have so far been shot dead by police in Kisumu and Siaya and tens of others are hospitalized with bullet wounds. The good government has not said anything. They are human beings and not worldly possessions.
It is worth noting that the so called demonstrators who were in their thousands made a procession through major roads in the City, the CBD and ended up at Capitol Hill building which is a private property causing insurmountable destruction to property. This happened barely a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery banned any form of demonstrations in the country.
The police artillery which a common feature in CORD’s peaceful demonstrations was conspicuously missing. Instead the rowdy and dangerously armed goons were accorded State protection and guided towards their target.
It is apparent that only Jubilee has the monopoly of holding demonstrations and using the same to cause destruction to people’s property.
Invading Mr. Odinga’s office is an attempt to his life. Only yesterday, a public service vehicle hit Mr. Odinga’s car right where he sits. The driver was arrested and later released. Police have kept quiet on this incident.
CORD wants to make it clear that no amount of intimidation, provocation or public pronouncements that have no constitutional bearing will stop them from pushing the government to agree to dialogue on reforms in the IEBC.
Philip Etale
Director of Communications (ODM)
8/6/16
