PRESS STATEMENT BY CORD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We take note of a statement issued on behalf of Inspector General of Police a few minutes ago purporting to request the CORD Coalition to consider holding it rally elsewhere other than Uhuru Park grounds on the basis that they will be covering a multiplicity of events but more importantly that they will be providing security to two visiting heads of state.
We wish to draw the attention of the police to the orders issued by the High Court this afternoon and which orders are well within their knowledge since we have served them with copies of the said order. More particularly we wish to draw their attention to order 4 whish directs thus
“That the Inspector General of Police is hereby directed to ensure that there is sufficient security for those attending the rally and those going about their businesses”
As a coalition we intend to abide by the court order in its entirety and therefore reassure our supporters that we will hold our rally at Uhuru Park tomorrow from 9am. It is now evident to all Kenyans that the police have since the beginning set out on a path to frustrate the coalition from holding its rally.
We have no doubt that the police have adequate personnel as evidenced in the manner they have dealt with the anti-IEBC demos to effectively provide security to all Madaraka day activities. It is also our considered view that the police were all along aware that the country will be hosting the two visiting heads of state and never bothered to raise this matter from the very day CORD notified of its intention to hold a rally at Uhuru Park.
In the premise, we are persuaded that the police request is actuated with malice, bad faith and is made too late to be considered. The request is therefore firmly declined.
The upshot of it is that CORD will proceed with its planned rally at Uhuru Park tomorrow as decreed by court. The police should provide security as directed
Norman Magaya
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CORD SECRETARIAT
