May 31, 2016

Summary

CORD barred from holding rival Madaraka day rally. The opposition party hoped to host a rally but police have suggested security concerns.

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CORD barred from holding rival Madaraka day rally

CORD barred from holding rival Madaraka day rally

The police have blocked the opposition from using Uhuru Park tomorrow for Madaraka day celebrations citing security reasons.

According to the police, the grounds will not be available either for CORD or the Christian organization which had also claimed booking the facility the same day.

Statehouse spokesman Eric Kiraithe said that the decision to bar the two warring parties from using the venue was reached by the National Security Council following intelligence reports showing the meeting could cause security threats.

Kiraithe also said that Nyayo Stadium, where the county government had planned to hold Madaraka Day celebrations will also be out of bounds to all members of the public and asked the Nairobi County Security Committee to advice on the alternative venue for Madaraka Day celebrations.

There has been a tussle surrounding the Uhuru park grounds following details that a Christian organization, Prayers Beyond Boundaries Ministries, had also booked the venue for prayers for three days from May 31 to 2nd June.

CORD leaders have however vowed that they will not be intimidated and will carry on with the rally as planned.

President Uhuru opted to commemorate this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, a first in history and the opposition’s plan to hold a parallel rally at Uhuru park had been critiqued by Jubilee leaders.

Related article:

‘CORD and Jubilee plan rival Madaraka day rallies’

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