Kenyan protesters call for removal of electoral commission officials

Police in Kenya have arrested several people during opposition demonstrations called to push for the removal of electoral commission officials who conducted August’s Presidential elections.

The Kenyan Supreme Court last month invalidated President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s second term victory, citing irregularities but did not indicate any specific commissioner or official.

The opposition has called for demonstrations every Monday and Friday to push for reforms ahead of fresh presidential elections later this month.

Opposition, NASA supporters were back on the streets on Friday to push for the removal of electoral commission officials they accuse of bungling the August 8th elections.

They trained their eyes on Chief Executive Officer, Ezra Chiloba.

It was not long before police dispersed them using teargas just as they made their way through the Central Business District.

Crowds also gathered in the Western town of Kisumu and Mombasa, all of which are opposition strongholds.

James Orengo, opposition senator of Kenya says. “No gun is more powerful than the people, no teargas can stop the people.”

With three weeks to go before the fresh presidential elections, the two political contenders have hardened their stance.

The opposition has threatened to boycott the polls if the electoral commission officials are not removed, while the ruling party has tabled amendments to the electoral laws, which will make it difficult for the Supreme Court to annul presidential election results.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared the ruling that invalidated his win as a coup.

Despite the on-going political standoff, the commission says it ready to hold elections on the 26th of this month.

Click on video below for more on the story:

– By Sarah Kimani