NASA Leaders React After Interior CS Fred Matiang'i Bans Demos in CBD

A section of National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders have dismissed acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's ban of demonstrations in Nairobi Central Business Districts, Mombasa, and Kisumu.

Speaking to KTN News, the legislators Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman Rep), Simba Arati ( Dagoretti North) and Antony Oluoch (Mathare) stated that CS Matiang'i's directive was unlawful adding that the anti-IEBC demos will proceed as scheduled.

"The CS's directive is unlawful, demonstrations will continue peacefully. We urge the police to come out and protect the citizens," Otiende stated.

The Rarieda legislator also noted that it was the duty of the police to protect the protestors adding that NASA should not be blamed for any damages that occurred.

"While we share the concerns of CS Matiang'i that any demos ought to be peaceful, we do not agree with him that the blame or absence of peace or organisation is on NASA, it is indeed on the police," he stated.

[caption caption="CS Fred Matiang'i addressing the media at Harambee House, Nairobi"][/caption]

Mr Amollo took a swipe at Matiang'i for banning the demos stating that the CS had no powers to stop them from the Central Business District (CBD).

"Under the law, a right under article 37 cannot be restricted except by the law. The Hon Matiang'i is not the law. The law here means they must develop legislation and bring it to parliament and pass it to say that while you have rights to demonstrate, the Minister can restrict it where appropriate by coming in and saying you will demonstrate but not come into the CBD," the legislator explained.

Regarding the prosecution of NASA CEO Norman Magaya, Mr Amollo explained that the responsibility to protect the rest of the citizens doesn't lie with the person giving the notice but with the police.

He accused the government of having differential standards by not arresting members of the Nairobi Business community who have also been protesting in the CBD.

Passaris on her part re-affirmed the coalition's position that there will be no election unless their reforms are fully implemented by the electoral commission.

[caption caption="File image of NASA CEO Norman Magaya"][/caption]

Mr Magaya, in a tweet, reiterated Amollo's remarks stating that the responsibility to protect property and citizens did not lie with the organiser of the protest but with the police.

The leaders made the remarks following the government's directive banning protests in the three cities.

Addressing the media from Harambee House, Matiang'i explained that the ban was aimed at protecting Kenyans and their property.

"In accordance with the law, and due to the recent breach of peace as witnessed, the government will not allow demonstrations in Nairobi CBD, Mombasa, and Kisumu," he stated.

Read Also: Matiang'i Bans Demos in Nairobi

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