Politicians from Kisumu County who skipped last Monday’s Coalition for Democracy and Reforms (Cord) anti-IEBC demonstrations are under pressure to explain why they boycotted the protests.
The protesters who positively responded to Cord leader Raila Odinga’s calls to join the demos have accused the leaders of sabotage and vowed to teach them a lesson in the forthcoming elections.
Governor Jack Ranguma and 36 elected and nominated Members of County Assembly gave the Monday demonstrations a wide berth.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Organizing Secretary Rozah Buyu led the protests accompanied by only eleven MCAs, including Isaiah Onyango, James Were, Priscah Misachi, Kennedy Odhiambo and Paul Achayo.
The others were Paul Okiri, Caroline Ogot, Joseph Abiola, Osumba Olum, Pamela Awuor and Nereah Okombo.
Monday’s protests against the IEBC were the fifth to be held in Kisumu and were the most destructive.
The demonstrations that turned riotous lasted for over 12 hours and saw property and business premises destroyed, vandalized and looted.
Political leaders however, melted away from the mob as soon as the crowd began engaging police officers in running battles with tear gas and live bullets being fired indiscriminately.
Kisumu City Residents Voice Association Chairman Audi Ogada asked the political leaders to come out and explain why they left the protesters on their own without any guidance.
“It is unfortunate that our leaders stayed away during the demonstrations yet innocent citizens were killed or maimed by police officers. We are waiting for them during elections. We will see where they will ask for votes from,” Ogada said.
Ogada said the leaders should have accompanied citizens as they picket to guide them and shield them from police brutality, he said.
He urged residents to take stock of leaders who have participated in the protests and those who have not.
MPs Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Fred Outa (Nyando), James Nyikal (Seme), Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu Women Rep) and Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East) were in Nairobi for the main protest.
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura has never been seen in any of the protests and could not be reached for comment.
Buyu accused the government of transforming police into a private militia.
She said that Cord will not relent in the push to send home the IEBC commissioners.
“The commission has lost public trust and must be replaced. Our quest is unstoppable,” she added.
Muhoroni MP Onyango K'oyoo defended the demonstrators saying they were only peaceful.
“The current IEBC commissioners cannot be trusted to conduct a fair and transparent election," K'oyoo said.