The government has banned protests by opposition Cord against Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

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Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery in a Tuesday evening press address said the demonstrations were a threat to the country’s security, and the protesters had declined to follow the Constitution.

The CS claimed that “over 1,000” stones were hurled at Kondele Police Station, forcing police officers to strike back.

He said the protests in Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay counties on Monday resulted in two deaths and 50 injuries, including of 32 policemen.

“Clearly, these demonstrations are not within the parameters set out by the constitutional court at the behest of Cord,” he said.

However in a quick rejoinder, Cord said the right to picket and demonstrate is not a privilege granted by the state, but rather a right guaranteed by the constitution under article 37 .

“We remind CS Nkaissery that he has no powers, real or imagined to purport to prohibit any demonstrations under the new constitutional dispensation. It also flies in the face of a court order issued by Justice Onguto on 6th June. Similarly, Nkaissery must forthwith stop meddling in the affairs of the police service as set out under the constitution,” read in part a statement by Norman Magaya, Chief Executive Officer Cord Secretariat.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said police brutality reported in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori was part of a scheme to engage in ethnic profiling for ill motives by some senior security officials.

Orengo said Cord will sue Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet over police killings during their demos.

He said the coalition has also resolved to begin civil and criminal proceedings against individual police officers who shot and killed protesters in the recent days.

Also present during Nkaissery’s address were IG Boinnet, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, Solicitor General Njee Muturi and Attorney General Githu Muigai.

Prof Muigai said: “The constitution does not protect a riotous assembly. The constitutional court did not and cannot issue an order to protect a violent assembly.”

The IG on his part said the police will ensure no chaos are caused by demonstrators.