Why Raila put o­ff anti-IEBC protests for ten days

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) removed next Monday from its weekly protests’ scheduling as details emerged that pressure from diplomatic community and religious groups led to the decision.

The Standard has learned of high-level diplomatic discussions with CORD leaders as well as internal discussions that culminated in the decision to call for a 10-day ceasefire in the hope that President Uhuru and his Jubilee team would open the door for dialogue regarding reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission through replacement of commissioners and other reforms to the electoral process to seal loopholes that may be used to rig results.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama (right) and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo address a press conference at CORD's Capitol Hill office in Nairobi yesterday. (PHOTO: EDWARD KIPLIMO/ STANDARD)

CORD insiders also revealed the ceasefire would allow the Opposition to set up a secretariat and funding channel to help its supporters whose relatives were killed, injured or have court cases.

“We shall use the period to respectively mourn our supporters killed by the police through use of live bullets,’’ revealed a source within the party.

“Initially, we saw the international community as indifferent but when its envoys in Kenya released a statement pushing for dialogue, then the Church joined in with the offer to facilitate the talks, our leaders decided to retreat and see if Uhuru will embrace and kick-start the talks,’’ revealed the source within Raila’s inner circle.

The party also chose the ceasefire option – but maintained it would go ahead with its planned parallel rally at Uhuru Park on Madaraka Day – to deflate criticism that it had taken a hardline position and was not helping create a conducive environment for dialogue with Uhuru.

CORD has been on the side of using demos to try and force out IEBC commissioners and was sharing this view with Kanu.

Olive branch

At least three people were left dead and scores of supporters injured, with others nursing critical injuries from gunshot wounds in the violent protest.

The 10-day window is CORD’s gesture of an olive branch to allow interventions as proposed by the Church and the diplomatic community to give dialogue a chance.

“CORD has resolved to temporarily suspend demonstrations that were scheduled for next Monday May 30 to give dialogue and peace a chance. Instead, we shall hold forums to condole with the bereaved and comfort the wounded. The suspension expires on June 5,” CORD cautioned.

The new development emerged as Raila maintained that he had written two formal letters seeking dialogue with Uhuru on IEBC and minimum electoral reforms in which he proposed a lean commission of five commissioners and an Executive secretariat.

Separately, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Raila said “the current government, and by extension, the ruling Jubilee coalition, must sit down for constructive dialogue.”

“They have no choice,” said Raila. “They will have to agree to sit down and negotiate. So we will continue for as long as it takes. We will not surrender. That is not an option.”

Raila spoke to VOA before his coalition insiders Siaya Senator James Orengo and his Machakos counterpart Johnstone Muthama called a press conference to announce the 10-day ‘cease-fire’ window.

But CORD insisted it was planning a parallel rally on Madaraka Day in Nairobi which will voice their concerns as the country marks anniversary of self internal rule. This would proceed as Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero hosts the county celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium since the national event will be held in Nakuru.

Said Raila in the interview:”If the playing field is levelled, then the politicians, including myself, should accept the results of the elections, whatever they may be.”

Opposition leaders, however, placed a caveat on the 10-day ‘ceasefire’ arguing it will help them reflect on better problem-solving approaches in an inclusive manner going forward.

No gesture

“We have not received any gesture for genuine talks in a direct way. We do not want to believe Jubilee and other stakeholders from the religious groups will get around a table until they confirm and we start talks. We have our team ready and we await their response,” Orengo explained.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo said CORD was targetting how to get mores stakeholders on their side, including business community, that were victims of defiant protests which paralysed operation in towns where demos were held.

“We send deep condolences to the families and friends of innocent Kenyans killed and wounded in various parts of the country during the peaceful ant-IEBC demonstrations last Monday,” read statement announcing the cancellation.

CORD condemned the brutality meted out on “innocent and peaceful” Kenyans who were exercising their right to peacefully  assemble, picket and present petitions.

“It is getting very clear that Kenya is turning into a police state where freedom of expression, assembly and lawful struggles against the State will continue to be met with absolute brute force,” warned the statement.

CORD claimed brute police force was at the centre of Jubilee’s plan for holding on to power just as was the case in 2007-2008 when up to 500 of the over 1300 post-election violence victims were killed by police as the PNU sought to retain power by force.

“If by the end of next week there shall be no concrete steps towards dialogue, we shall resume our weekly protests, which will only get more intense. The ball is therefore in the government’s court,” Orengo said.