POLICE TURN DOWN ODM'S PLEA TO STAGE PROTESTS ON FRIDAY IN KISII.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's request to conduct a demonstration on Friday has been denied by Kisii police.

Gusii Governance Watch, a civil society organization, meanwhile has canceled the same application.

Charles Kases, the County Police Commander, told reporters on Thursday that the action was taken to prevent any potential confrontations among demonstrators.

"The reason for cancellation is to stem possible clash between the protesters from both sides," Kases stated.

However, ODM Kisii chair Kerosi Ondieki quickly retorted that the demonstrations would continue.

Ondieki said over the phone to the Star, "Holding demonstrations is a right and they shall go on whether he likes it or not."

 Rather, he suggested that they may have two separate protests: one against the County Commander and the other against Governor Simba Arati's supposed harassment.

ODM stated that it had requested authorization to stage the demonstrations in response to what it claims to be "state harassment" of Arati.

Speaking to reporters in Kisii on Wednesday, Ondieki stated that the scheduled protests would take place in every town in the county.

Ward Representatives at the Kisii Assembly demanded a probe on Tuesday, citing a scheme to have Arati arrested and citing purportedly leaked audio that was ascribed to a senior detective.

 For the past week, the video has been making the rounds on social media.

Ondieki claims that the planned plot to irritate the governor is behind the purported harassment of Arati.

"All this is a cunning plan to divert the governor's attention from his duties. Ondieki said, "It ought to end.

"We came together to voice our disapproval of the things that are happening to the governor.

To secure Arati's protection, they have called on Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.