Kenyan police use tear gas to disperse protesters

By Magdalene Mukami and Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Police in the capital Nairobi resorted to baton charge and used tear gas to disperse thousands of opposition supporters protesting against the members of the country’s electoral body on Tuesday.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga had asked its supporters to hold a protest demonstration and said that he would not participate in elections if 12 officials of the electoral body are not sacked.

He accused the officials of aiding Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to “rig” last month polls, which were later annulled by the country’s top court.

Things were peaceful throughout the morning but all hell broke loose when opposition supporters clashed with the supporters of ruling Jubilee party. Stones were hurled from both sides injuring many people.

According to Anadolu Agency’s correspondent, police used tear gas, live bullets and batons to disperse the crowds. Some shops had their windows broken as the protesters continued to hurl stones.

"Why are they attacking us? Aren't they Kenyans? We want a fair electoral commission and not a biased one," Onesmus Otieno, an opposition supporter, told Anadolu Agency.

Maina Kimani, a protester supporting the ruling party, asserted that they want peace.

“We are here to protest with our brothers to tell them that what they are doing is wrong. The electoral commission is fair and independent."

In unclear circumstances the security deployed to opposition leader Raila Odinga and his deputy Kalonzo Musyoka was withdrawn on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to media, Odinga said: "I don’t care about security. They wanted me to be on the streets without security. They can withdraw but we will demonstrate until the officials are sacked".

Attempts to reach the police for confirmation bore no fruits as all calls went an unanswered.

Kenya was on August 8 rocked with violence during the general elections. The Supreme Court of Kenya annulled the election citing “mass irregularities and illegalities”.