Police officers deployed to quell past protests by NASA supporters in Nairobi (Photo/Tuko)
NASA supporters especially in Nairobi where the coalition has planned to hold a public gathering on Tuesday are not new to confrontations with the police.
Legislators and the coalition die hards are preparing for the prayer function that is intended for the honor of victims who died in the aftermath of the repeat presidential election and the function shall be parallel to the swearing in of president of Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed, NASA supporters do not want police presence at the event as they are certain it will be a peaceful prayer even.
Junet has said that their supporters were calling on their CEO Norman Magaya to ask the inspector general to cancel any deployment of the officers to the grounds.
“Nasa supporters are asking Mr Magaya to inform the police NOT to attend the Nasa Jacaranda function on Tuesday. It will be peaceful,” posted Junet his social media page.
Earlier, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi had said NASA would only expect officers to secure the event and that they would not take anything more or falling short of their expectations and required by law.
“To the Police, once we notify you of our planned prayers for the victims of Police brutality, your duty is to secure the event. On 28th Nov, we shall be at Jacaranda grounds and we expect no more or less from you. That's the letter and spirit our Constitution,” said Mr Wandayi.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino through warned that the police should carry more teargas with them should they fail to provide security, in a post that only leaves one wondering what the host MP was predicting of the events that shall unfold at the Jacaranda grounds.
“Boinet militia to provide security and if they can’t they better carry more teargas. Will not beg,”said Babu Owino in a tweet.
NASA CEO norman Magaya had earlier last week indicated that they would parade victims of police brutality during the function for the whole world to have a clear understanding of what had transpired in the country in the face of Uhuru’s oath of office for a second term.