Clash looms as Nasa set to defy prayer ban outside Supreme Court
A showdown looms on Sunday between police and National Super Alliance supporters who plan to continue with a banned prayer meeting outside the Supreme Court.
Nairobi Police Commander Japheth Koome rejected Nasa’s application to hold prayers for the presidential petition outside the court.
But, in a statement issued on Saturday, ODM executive director Oduor Ong’wen said the party is appalled by Mr Koome’s decision and did not understand why the police boss outlawed the prayer meeting.
PROVIDE SECURITY
Mr Ong’wen said they, instead, expected the police to provide security during the prayers.
“We cannot allow dark forces to roll back democratic gains Kenyans have fought for and won in the last 25 years. We shall resist this creeping dictatorship. As a party and Nasa, we shall be faithful to the law but defy illegal edicts,” said Mr Ong’wen.
“Our innocent expectations were that the police would provide security to the worshippers and ensure that the Sunday offertory was protected from those who might have ill-intents.”
He added: “It is even more incomprehensible that the police can purport to outlaw a prayer meeting on Sunday, a universally recognised day of worship for many religions, denominations and sects in Kenya.”
ROADS CLOSED
On Saturday, security was enhanced outside the court building as the pre-trial conference started. City Hall Road, Taifa Road and part of Wabera Road remained closed to vehicular and human traffic.
A week after he was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the police to exercise restraint in dealing with those who might wish to hold protests.
The President noted that it is lawful to hold a demonstration as long as it is peaceful, orderly and respects the convenience of others.
