NASA Supporters Engage Police in Running Battles as Anti-IEBC Demos Turn Chaotic

Supporters of opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) in Kisumu engaged police in running battles on Monday, after anti-Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission protests turned chaotic.

The demos in the lakeside City started on an ugly note as police officers lobed teargas canisters at the protesters, who hurled stones at them.

Led by Kisumu Central Member of Parliament Fred Ouda, the demonstrators had planned to march to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices in the Central Business District, but things turned ugly after rowdy youths blocked roads and lit bonfires while provoking police officers.

MP Ouda accused the police were infringing on their rights to protest and picket by using teargas on them.

"We can't be picketing peacefully and we are being tear-gassed. We only want to match to the IEBC offices and present our memorandum," he said.

The residents carried a banner christened "Chiloba Must Go" and no "reforms no elections".

The protests comes after the opposition outfit led by presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga announced they will be going to the streets every Mondays and Fridays to force a section of IEBC officials from office and get the electoral commission to give in to their demands dubbed "irreducible minimums."