Kenya anti-riot police disperse opposition protest against electoral body

Opposition leaders in Kenya were dispersed by anti-riot police on Monday after they attempted to enter the country’s electoral commission offices.

Chaos at Anniversary Towers. Police lob teargas cannisters at CORD leaders and supporters. citizentvkenya pic.twitter.com/uW6Wp8rJtY

— Francis Gachuri (Fchurii) April 25, 2016

Led by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga, the opposition planned to perform an indefinite occupation of the commission’s offices.

This was to force the chair and other commissioners to resign as the opposition say they lack confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

“Our main agenda was to have the IEBC team meet with our party leaders and come to an agreement over the issues arising, if this is not possible, we have no faith in the electoral body,” CORD official Catherine Okoth said.

Over the weekend, the opposition renewed its ultimatum to have the electoral commission disbanded or ejected from their premises.

The Coalition accuse IEBC of rigging the last elections in which the presidential results were contested at the country’s highest court.

IEBC on the other hand has said they are willing to address any concerns with all political players and update on the progress they have made for the upcoming elections in 2017.

We are ready to discuss any concerns on elections with all political players. CORD is our client. They should make it possible to engage.

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) April 25, 2016

“The Commission regrets today’s confrontation between police and CORD leaders and their supporters at IEBC Headquarters. This was utterly unnecessary. CORD has disputed the Commission’ verdict on its Okoa Kenya referendum initiative and raised concerns with the conduct and management of the last elections. These are matters that are all governed by law, which the commission has pronounced itself on,” IEBC said in a statement.

Reuters, Agencies