Police vow to prevent anti-IEBC demos

Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome addresses a press conference in Nairobi on Sunday, June 05 2016 on the planned anti-IEBC protest. PHOTO: DAVID NJAAGA/STANDARD

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet yesterday promised a countrywide crackdown on anti-electoral commission protesters.

Speaking in Diani, Kwale County, Mr Boinnet said police would enforce a court order that stopped the Opposition from storming Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices.

"Just as we were compelled by court to allow CORD rally on Madaraka Day, the court has said there will be no demo until after tomorrow when the matter is heard. If they still disobey the law and go to the road we will do what is expected of us," he said.

And in Nairobi, area police boss Japheth Koome threatened mass arrests of Opposition protesters including CORD leader Raila Odinga.

Mr Koome (below) told journalists yesterday that the police had put in place "a detailed operation to ensure no demonstrations in the city", adding that enough officers would be deployed to deal with protesters.

"I want to request those who intend to come to the city to demonstrate (to) do something else. They will not be allowed. No demonstrations at all in the city. I am ready and I have enough officers to deal with anybody intending to hold illegal demonstrations," he said.

But Koome did not clarify on the court orders police were using to ban the protests since the one issued on April 29 only barred CORD from breaking into IEBC offices or forcibly ejecting the commissioners from their offices.

Koome claimed police had foiled an attempt to ferry grenades to be used during the protests.

"We know what is happening. We have intelligence. I have information there is a pajero vehicle which was to deliver grenades yesterday (Saturday) to be used during tomorrow's (today's) demonstrations. We know they were heading to Kibera," he said.

"No demonstrations tomorrow (today) that is the message," he said