Embu: Former Chief Justice and United Green Movement (UGM) Party Leader David Maraga has condemned the use of unnecessary force by the police to disrupt opposition gatherings and rallies. Maraga said the use of force to disrupt peaceful gatherings was unconstitutional and a sign that the government was in ‘panic mode’ over the growing popularity of the opposition.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maraga, speaking in Embu Town while unveiling his United Green Movement (UGM) Party candidate for the Evurore Ward by-election in Embu North Constituency, Kennedy Njeru, criticized the use of force to silence citizens, calling it an outdated strategy. He referred to recent incidents, including the disruption of a rally led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela and an attack on a church event in Othaya attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as examples of unnecessary police interference.
Maraga emphasized that the gatherings were calm, and there was no justification for the police to cause disorder. He argued that police highhandedness would not benefit the state politically, advocating instead for allowing citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights to assembly and expression.
In addition, Maraga urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to adjust its voter registration strategy to include all eligible voters. He criticized the practice of centralizing registration at constituency headquarters, which he said made it difficult for those in remote areas to register. Maraga appealed to the IEBC to bring the registration process closer to the people to avoid the costs associated with traveling to registration centers.
Moreover, Maraga reaffirmed his commitment to the presidential race, stating that he is actively working to popularize his party and garner support from Kenyans for his platform.
