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Demonstration held in support of Nyachae

Details

Published on Friday, 28 September 2007 00:25

Demonstrators thronged the streets of Kisii yesterday in support of Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae. The demonstrators said they were behind Mr Nyachae, who has been condemned over violence that saw South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara and his Eldoret North counterpart William Ruto injured when they attempted to attend a fundraiser for the youth presided over by the minister last Friday.

Carrying placards and waving twigs, the demonstrators said Mr Nyachae was not to blame over the attack on three ODM leaders, including Nyaribari Chache parliamentary hopeful Chris Bichage.

Some placards read “The Kisii and the Kalenjins are friends” ; “Ford People is a peaceful party”; “We support President Kibaki and Nyachae”; and “Nyachae is innocent”. Traders closed their shops for fear of looting. Some youths chanted pro-Nyachae slogans and asked him to stay put.

The Roads and Public Works minister has been under pressure since the attack, which came soon after he paraded the armed men at the harambee. There have been calls for his arrest and prosecution and also for his resignation or sacking from the Cabinet.

Defend himself

The pro-Nyachae demonstration came a day after the minister called a news conference to defend himself. Carrying President Kibaki’s and Mr Nyachae’s campaign posters, the protesters denounced political violence. The peaceful occasion started at Daraja Moja through the town’s streets and ended at Gusii stadium where politicians addressed the demonstrators.