Police cancel two rallies in support of Arati
Kisii police have cancelled two demonstrations planned for today to discuss the security of Governor Simba Arati and the county’s development.
County Police Commander Charles Kases said the planned protests by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and Gusii Governance Watch Civil Society Organisation (CSO) will not take place at the same time.
The Commander noted that the CSO gave a notification on April 15 to hold the protest in Kisii town today and were granted by Kisii Central and Nyanchwa police Stations Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCSs). He said ODM party also applied to hold a peaceful demonstration on the same day, noting that it was illegal for two meetings to be held at the same time and place.
Two meetings
“According to section 5 sub-section 4 of Public Order Act, two meetings cannot take place at the same time and place and their applications have been denied on that premise,” Kases said.
Flanked by Kitutu Central Sub-County Police Commander Kazungu Charo, Kases said both demonstrations were cancelled to avoid a likely confrontation between the two groups.
County ODM Secretary Seth Okindo had applied for the party’s supporters to hold a peaceful demonstration to protest alleged intimidation targeting Arati by security officers.
On Wednesday, Kisii ODM chairman, Kerosi Ondieki said they were set to protest across the county to force individuals harassing Arati to desist and let him work.
During a meeting at Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) attended by sub county party officials, Ondieki accused security officers of intimidating the governor, saying it was a scheme to derail his work and hamper development in the county.
