Opposition leaders Raila Odinga,Moses Wetangula,Kalonza Musyoka and senator who has been warned by Independent policing Authority from causing chaos.
BY THOMAS KARIUKI.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) says that the opposition led by Mr Raila Odinga should comply with the order barring violent demonstrations against IEBC commissioners.
An order given by Justice Isaac Lenaola restrained the opposition from storming, removing commissioners or destroying property of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
IPOA says that willful disobedience of a court order is untenable in a democratic society that professes its belief in the rule of law.
“It cannot be expected of the government to obey court orders while the opposition does otherwise. It also cannot be expected of the service to observe the law while other members of the public or political class break it with reckless abandon,” IPOA held.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the policing authority said that the law must be adhered to by all regardless of their status. “This is the only way we can realize the gains enshrined in our constitution.”
“We advise the public against protests that are not peaceful and that breach the court order, to avoid pitting public against the police,” the statement continued.
The policing authority further stated that they were shocked by a recent chaotic scene where police officers providing VIP protection were in confrontation with their counterparts in regular service. This occurrence “must not be repeated.”
In the statement, the authority contends that nowhere in the world can a disciplined service be allowed to degenerate to a level of engaging each other in such manner as it is a recipe of chaos.
Additionally, the authority gave the Inspector General of police a green flag to take action against offending members of the service if they break the law.
They also cautioned the police to strictly in compliance with the law, to avoid the use of force and if prompted to be exercised only to the extent that is necessary, ensuring it is as minimum as is reasonably practical, protecting lives and property of all.
The affirmation by the policing oversight comes days after the Inspector General of Police Mr Joseph Boinett warned officer attached to VIP protection to refrain from getting involved in situations that may be in breach of the law while accompanying their respective VIPs.
