Human rights activist moves to court seeking to have ban on Cord rallies lifted

Nairobi, Kenya: A suit has been filed at the High Court in Nairobi seeking orders to restrain Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo from presenting any restriction or ban on public rallies organised by CORD. The suit is filed through petitioner Japheth Murira who argues that the IG’s directive to cancel CORD rallies denies Kenyans enjoyment of rights under the constitution. He said that the directive, if implemented would lead to serious financial loss from costs incurred by the coalition in preparation of planned welcome of Raila Odinga on Saturday. Among the expenses incurred, the petitioner says, are securing venues, vehicles, helicopters and boarding facilities for planned countrywide rallies.
Justice David Majanja directed the petitioner to serve the respondents with the suit notice. Case will be heard on Thursday May 29. See also: Why Wetang’ula is not fit to criticise Jubilee Kimaiyo Tuesday issued a ban on all political parties in the country until further notice, citing security reasons. He said police have information that criminal elements might take advantage of the meetings. Nairobi County Security Committee also ruled out licensing any parallel public gathering apart from the Madaraka Day celebrations during the coming weekend. Tuesday, CORD termed the move a cowardly act and vowed to go ahead with its Saturday meeting as earlier planned. The ban was issued after Majority Leader Aden Duale, announced that Jubilee would hold a parallel rally in Nairobi, reportedly to try and divert attention from Raila. CORD has planned a rally at Uhuru Park on Saturday May 31 to welcome back Raila who has been in the US for two months. Before his departure, Raila named Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o as the acting ODM leader.