ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Daily Nation]
We bring you the latest updates and reactions regarding Raila’s “major announcement”.
NASA changes nameThe National Super Alliance (Nasa), will from Thursday October 26, transform its name.Coalition leader Raila Odinga, said NASA will now be called "Muungano Wa Ukombozi" (National Resistance Movement).
No demonstrationsNASA has asked supporters not to demonstrate during elections day, Thursday.Stay at home ThursdayRaila has asked his supporters to stay indoors tomorrow, and avoid getting any closer to polling stations.He said they should not attack their Jubilee rivals, but rather stay with them as brothers, sisters and good neighbours.
'Different ways to kill a cat'Raila says Jubilee must respect the democracy of the people, for the people to enjoy their democratic rights.He said the only way to get Jubilee out of power is to fail to participate in the election tomorrow.
Jubilee ElectionsRaila has said tomorrow's election will be a Jubilee Party election, since he is not participating. He said other seven candidates are just flower girls.
StatementRaila is currently reading a statement. Mudavadi, Wetangula have already read their part of the statement, amid cheers from the crowd.
1. Raila says the Jubilee government is planning to massacre NASA supporters starting tomorrow Thursday.
2. He has asked supporters not to chase any Kenyan of any community, from any part of the country.3. He wants Kenyans to boycott goods and services of any company that was linked to the August presidential election, saying they colluded to deny the people democracy.
4. He said despite tomorrow's election, a fresh election must be held within 90 days.
High Court refuses to stop electionHigh Court judge Chacha Mwita has just ruled the court has no jurisdiction to stop the fresh presidential election set for tomorrow. The petition, filed by former Kilome MP Haron Mwau, has been thrown out.
Polling may be suspended in some areasIn cases where there are security challenges, IEBC may suspend the election to another day, Chebukati says.
There have been insecurity fears in parts of Nyanza.
Chebukati’s final wordIEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati is addressing the media ahead of tomorrow’s fresh presidential election. He has condemned attacks on IEBC officials in some parts of the country. He says that when he met President Uhuru Kenyatta, he was assured of state protection for those who will vote and those who will not. “Based on security assurances, the election will go on tomorrow, October 26th,” Chebukati says.
NASA supporters at Uhuru Park, waiting for Raila announcement. [Photo/ Enock Ombuna]
Which way for Raila?The opposition leader has been telling his supporters to boycott the election, set for tomorrow. Earlier, Raila said there will be a “mother of all demonstrations” during Election Day. But in a BBC interview this week, the NASA boss urged his supporters to stay at home. Will that be the announcement he will make from Uhuru Park? Other analysts have speculated that Raila’s move was meant to cause voter apathy in Jubilee strongholds. They argue that Raila might rejoin the race at the eleventh hour, by urging his supporters to turn up in large numbers to vote for him.In yesterday’s press briefing, Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen alleged that Raila’s big statement will be about showing “fake ballot papers”, and claiming that they will be used in tomorrow’s polls.
Uhuru to address nationEven as the country awaits the announcement by Raila Odinga, reports coming from State House indicate that President Uhuru Kenyatta will address the country at around 4pm.
Cracks in IEBC Raila has been pushing for major reforms at IEBC, the electoral commission, and when the commission did not include all of the suggested changes — in a list he called the “irreducible minimums” — he decided to abandon the election. Meanwhile, more cracks have emerged at IEBC, with a day to the elections.
Supreme Court's decision
Shortly after Judge Odunga’s ruling, the Supreme Court made other orders regarding the election. Chief Justice David Maraga made a major announcement, saying the court did not have the quorum to hear a petition seeking to stop the fresh presidential election set for tomorrow.
Appointment of returning officers illegal
In a court ruling this morning, high court Judge George Odunga ruled that the appointment of returning officers and their deputies was illegal. Siaya Senator James Orengo says this decision is a big win for Raila Odinga.
Raila's announcement from Uhuru Park NASA leader Raila Odinga is set to make a “major statement” about the way forward regarding tomorrow’s fresh presidential election. Mr Odinga has already pulled out of the race, although his name will be on the ballot tomorrow, citing failure by IEBC to implement his “irreducible minimums” — changes he wanted to be done before the Supreme Court-ordered exercise. The opposition supporters have started arriving at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, the venue of the NASA rally.
Musalia address at Uhuru Park.
NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy have followed the paths of African dictators such as Yahya Jammeh and Laurent Gbagbo.
"Uhuru has threatened the Supreme Court. He has reffered to judges as crooks," said Mudavadi.
"Kenya is at war with Uhuru and Ruto who are hungry for power, they are unleashing militia on innocent citizens especially in Western Kenya and Nairobi," he added.
"We equally refuse to be the good men who turned a blind eye when evil happen. We want to be remembered as the heroes who fought for good and credible elections not only in Kenya but the whole of Africa," he added.
Kibera protest
Protests rock Kibera ahead of Thursday presidential poll. Tyres lit on roads.
Raila's most awaited announcement.