Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has banned all demonstrations in the Central Business Districts of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.
Addressing the media from Harambee House, Matiang'i stated: " In accordance with the law, due to the recent breach of peace as witnessed, the government will not allow demonstrations in Nairobi CBD, Mombasa and Kisumu".
CS Matiang'i explained that the ban was aimed at protecting Kenyans and their property.
"Whereas every person has a right to peacefully demonstrate, the enjoyment of this right is not absolute. We have noticed with a lot of concern the breach of peace by National Super Alliance (NASA) in their demos in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori and Nairobi counties by attacking police stations, looting, and attacking of civilians," Matiang'i stated.
He also announced that the government will proceed to prefer charges to all those demonstrators who turned violent adding that they will take action against the organiser of the anti-IEBC protests; NASA CEO Norman Magaya.
[caption caption="Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addressing the media at Harambee House"]
[/caption]
"I call upon all Kenyans whose property was looted or destroyed to report to the OCS Nairobi Central police station.
"NASA's Norman Magaya will be charged with destruction of property during the anti-IEBC demos," Matiangi stated.
The move to ban the demonstrations comes only a day after the Opposition announced that from next week they would hold daily protests to force IEBC Ceo Ezra Chiloba and other officials whom they accuse of interfering with the August elections out of office.
"From Monday they need to know the protests will be daily all over the country. We are not here to joke. If there are no reforms, there will be no elections,” Siaya Senator James Orengo stated.
UPDATES
12:45 : Updated the story with quotes from the Cabinet Secretary.
12:33: Updated the story with additional information regarding investigation of NASA CEO
12:28 : Updated the story with more information from CS Mataing'i
