We will defy the ban on rally, ODM says

By DAVE OPIYO and SAMUEL KUMBA

A showdown looms in Nairobi Thursday as the Orange Democratic Movement insists on holding its much publicised rally at Uhuru Park.

The party Wednesday announced that it would defy an order by police commissioner Hussein Ali outlawing the rally.
“We expect the police commissioner to provide security to the thousands of supporters coming to attend it,” said Eldoret North MP-elect William Ruto at a press conference Wednesday.

The meeting had earlier been scheduled for last Monday but was pushed to Thursday.

Police commissioner Hussein Ali outlawed the meeting, citing the volatile security situation in the country.

He cautioned Kenyans against attending rallies called by politicians, warning that they would be arrested.

The police boss cited the law on the guidelines and regulations for organising and holding such political rallies, processions and meetings.

“The season for political rallies in the country is over. There will be no more rallies and we will ensure that none takes place.”
But the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Wednesday questioned the legitimacy and legal basis of the decree barring anyone from holding political rallies after the elections.

The commission said the orders are illegal and violate the fundamental freedom of association, movement and expression, guaranteed both in the Constitution of Kenya and international instruments, which Kenya is a signatory to.

“Whereas we understand that the police commissioner may be concerned about the state of security in the country to issue such orders, such decrees not only contravene the law, but only serve to aggravate the situation further,” said the commission’s chairman Maina Kiai in a statement sent to newsrooms last evening.

source: http://politics.nationmedia.com/inner.asp?pcat=NEWS&cat=TOP&sid=1194