A section of religious leaders addressing the press over the poll status in Nyanza. [Photo/citizentv.co.ke]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been put on spot over the "forceful" schedule of the presidential election in Nyanza region.
Led by Bondo ACK Bishop David Kobia, a section of religious leaders majorly from the Anglican Church of Kenya on Friday morning expressed their disappointment over IEBC's postponement of the repeat poll in the counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay saying that the residents in the affected areas had voiced their stand by boycotting the Thursday repeat poll.
The leaders decried alleged police brutality on members of the community which they claimed was a targeted attack-that had been built over years. They said the nature of civilian-police fight had grown to unacceptable rates.
The religious leaders further asked CS Matiangi to withdraw the large contingent of paramilitary officers from the Nyanza region.
On Thursday, Kisumu County governor Anyang’ Nyong’o had termed the police operation witnessed in the county as the worst ever, comparing it to a ‘genocide’ operation.
Prof Nyong'o said 29 people had been injured and two killed by police.
He said there were high number of casualties and further declared a week of mourning over the reported deaths.
“I have declared one week of mourning in Kisumu because of the massive bloodshed, and during this time, nothing will happen, including the repeat elections on October 28, as ordered by IEBC,” Nyong’o said.