IG Mutyambai Explains Why Some Politicians Still Hold Rallies

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga hosting Mt Kenya residence on Sunday, October 10, 2020, at his home.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga hosting Mt Kenya residence on Sunday, October 10, 2020, at his home.
File

UPDATE Monday, October 12: Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to step aside.

In response to the IG's explanation on cancellation of political rallies, Murkomen claimed that Mutyambai had painted the DP as a bad guy.

"So according to you the risk is the DP Ruto? Please don’t do PR here. If you don’t want to serve all fairly or if you are caught in between the political fights between your bosses and you can’t handle it resign. As per the Constitution the president can’t even direct you," stated Murkomen.


Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, on Monday, October 12, explained why Deputy President William Ruto's rallies were cancelled.

While speaking during the weekly Q and A session on Twitter, the IG explained that the police assessed every situation before deciding to cancel any rally.

Kenyans sought to find out why some political leaders were permitted to hold rallies and visit churches while others were being teargassed and blocked from addressing crowds.

"I have taken note of complaints about selective application of the law on public gatherings.

An image of protests
Youth protesting at Kenol, Murang'a ahead of Deputy President William Ruto's visit on Sunday 4 October 2020.
Twitter

"NPS authorizes public gatherings after ascertaining that there is no risk of violence or attack on the particular group," explained Mutyambai.

He further noted that the decision is often made to evade destruction of property.

"Should we establish any possible risk, then authorization is declined for safety of the public and the property around the said area.

"There are groups that have not attracted any form of violence, while others have attracted violence, hence varied authorizations," the IG added.

This comes following an uproar after events in Murang'a, Machakos and Nyamira that were to be attended by DP Ruto were cancelled in the past week.

On Sunday, October 4, chaos erupted in Murang'a where Ruto was set to preside over a fundraising event at the AIPCA Church. 

On Thursday, October 8, the DP was also forced to cancel his trip to Nyamira after the tour was marred by chaos.

Ruto was scheduled to visit Kebirigo High School and Miriri in Kitutu Masaba, Nyamira County, to meet boda boda sacco members and church leaders.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, however, on Saturday,  October 10, held an intercultural event at his Bondo home that was attended by 2,000 Mt Kenya residents.

On the same day, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi held an event in Mau that was attended by hundreds of residents and clearly disregarded Covid-19 guidelines.

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ODM leader Raila Odinga prays during his coronation by Mt Kenya elders at his Bondo home on Saturday, October 10, 2020
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