NASA leader James Orengo has condemned Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s directive, barring demonstrations in the CBDs of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa, saying the government has tried to interfere with their freedom to demonstrate. He further said protection must be given to demonstrators according to the law, “There are two High Court decisions which are very clear, whereby if there is a demonstration in which the government has been notified, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure protection is given to those exercising their freedom,” said Orengo.
While addressing the press at capitol hill, Orengo said NASA supporters aren’t responsible for the damage caused and the violence, “We’ve noticed during the demos that the elements who have brought about incidences of looting and violence are not NASA supporters,” he said, adding that in the case of Nairobi demonstrations, they start marching peacefully and other people join them when they enter the CBD, with the sole purpose of causing chaos.
He said they have notified the police about the planned demonstrations, and they haven’t got a reply notification according to the set law, and the anti-IEBC demonstrations will continue as a result, “They should notify in writing, giving reasons why they are objecting our demos, once we receive the refusal notification then we can go to the High court if we desire,” he said, “That hasn’t happened so we are presuming what the CS said was just hot air.”