Kenya: Security chiefs are on high alert ahead of Monday’s Saba Saba rally to be held at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. Police bosses in the capital met with organisers over final arrangements for the event, which has been hyped by Government operatives to the advantage of the Opposition. “I want to assure Nairobi residents that nothing extraordinary will happen tomorrow (Monday). Business will go on as usual, work will go on as usual, Nairobi will be peaceful on Monday,” said Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue. Mr Kibue and Nairobi County Commissioner Njoroge Ndirangu met with CORD leaders James Orengo, Johnstone Muthama and Elizabeth Ongoro for last-minute consultation at the latter’s Nyayo House office. He said they had identified several areas in the capital considered as hot spots and deployed enough personnel to ensure continuity. The areas include the Central Business District, Kibera, Dandora, Mathare, Mukuru, Chokaa, Baba Dogo, Mwiki, Embakasi, Njiru, Kayole, Kawangware, Obama, Riruta, Uthiru and Kangemi. See also: Let’s confront the challenge of our political tribalism “The leaders have said there will be no chaos but as a precaution we will deploy enough personnel,” said Kibue, adding the event will start at 10am. He announced that security agents will secure all major roads leading in and out of Nairobi. Sources said police will erect roadblocks on Lang’ata Road, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, and parts of Thika Road for screening of motorists. The roadblocks were erected on major highways like Mombasa Roads Sunday with few motorists being screened amid protests from politicians that it was a sign of intimidation. Official reports indicate police officers will be at all entry points at Uhuru Park to screen people. These will include regular police, General Service Unit, Administration Police and those in civilian. The Opposition coalition will also have its own marshals to direct those attending the event. At the same time, CORD presented a letter to Kibue and Ndirangu in which they claimed some city Jubilee leaders planned to dress their supporters in CORD T-shirts and later cause chaos, which will be blamed on the organisers. “We urge you to look into these issues because they are serious and could be used to destabilise the city,” said Reuben Ndolo, an organiser. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo urged the organisers to end the rally by 5pm and that Kenyans disperse peacefully. Tension mounted in some parts of Nairobi, with residents flocking supermarkets to purchase foodstuff. Read more at: standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000127221/Kenya-security-chiefs-on-high-alert-ahead-of-saba-saba-rally
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 09:47:37 +0000
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