Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has rubbished claims by the police that Uhuru Park had been booked until June 1, therefore blocking CORD from holding its Madaraka Day rally at the venue.
In a statement, Kidero clarified that the Opposition had already been authorised by the Nairobi County Government to proceed with their meeting at the venue, adding that the whole issue had been politicised.
“The Nairobi City County Government, the trustees and custodians of Uhuru Park, are not interested in any confusion or politics of grandstanding,” Kidero stated.
According to a letter signed by County Secretary Robert Ayisi, the Director for Environment Water and Energy was instructed to reserve Uhuru Park for CORD on June 1 as earlier requested
Police had released a different statement on Friday notifying the Opposition that it was impossible for it to hold the meeting at the contentious venue.
“Please be informed that the venue, Uhuru Park is already booked for three days by prayers Beyond Boundaries Ministries. Your notification of participation on Madaraka day at the same venue is, therefore, not approved,” read the police letter in part.
Last week CORD announced that it would be holding a rally at Uhuru Park to address issues of national importance, at the same time the Madaraka Day celebrations would be going on at Nakuru's Afraha Stadium.
Among the matters to be discussed is the disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
