Nairobi News

Cord leaders have accused the government of taking “revenge” against the opposition for winning the Malindi by-election through the withdrawal of security for Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

The opposition alliance has also taken issue with the Independent at Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its ineptitude in conducting free and fair elections.

Speaking late on Thursday evening at a press conference in Nairobi, Cord co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula criticized the government’s move to withdraw Joho’s security terming it as punishment for the governor’s role in securing victory for the opposition during the recent Malindi by-election.

“We note with deep concern that the mischief that Jubilee intended in the Coast continues. In the spirit of revenge, which it is known for, Jubilee has withdrawn Joho’s Security,” Mr Musyoka said.

“We condemn this act of blackmail, intimidation and revenge. We will hold Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Jubilee administration’s point person in the Coast Mr Nelson Marwa responsible for Joho’s security.”

This has came to the fore even as Police headquarters denied reports of the withdrawal of Joho’s security detail.

Police Spokesman Charles Owino said each governor will only be assigned 5 officers.

JOHO’S TROUBLES

“The governor had 15 bodyguards and we have scaled it down. This applies to all governors. If a Governor had more than 10 bodyguards he may be tempted to think that his security has been withdrawn. As far as we are concerned, Mr Joho’s security has not been withdrawn,” he said.

Earlier in the day through a Facebook post, Mr Joho had termed the withdrawal of his bodyguards as a scheme by the government to frustrate him.

The governor, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement, said the move was strange and out of procedure because matters touching on his security should be done in accordance with his consent and full involvement.

“I am aware this is part of a wider scheme by the Jubilee administration to frustrate me because of my political stand,” Joho said.

The governor had on Thursday morning stormed the office of the Coast regional police boss Francis Wanjohi while demanding an explanation as to why his five bodyguards were withdrawn without consultation.

Wanjohi responded by stating that there were orders for the officers, among them a General Service Unit officer, to report back to their station.