Former Kakamega senator Boniface Khalwale has spoken on police cancelling their planned Western leaders’ meeting in Mumias.

Police in Mumias on Wednesday canceled permits for two meetings set for this weekend planned by ANC leader Mudavadi citing security fears.

In the letter dated January 14, police advised the planners to inform their participants of the changes.

“This is to notify you that this office has canceled your permit to carry out the  exercise purportedly scheduled to take place on 18th due to security reasons,” the letter reads.

“…and comply accordingly. By this letter, be informed that any person contravening this directive will be held criminally responsible,” it read.

However, Khalwale says the move by police is diversionary and tantamount to incitement.

He says police have no powers to give or cancel a permit as they cannot take away the constitutional rights of Freedom of Assembly, Association and Speech.

Khalwale notes that panned Saturday January 18, 2020 meeting at Nabongo Sports ground is still on.

“Police attempts to cancel our Western leaders’ meeting in Mumias is diversionary n tantamount to incitement. They have NO powers to give or cancel a permit as they cannot take away the constitutional rights of Freedom of Assembly, Association & Speech 18/01/20 is on!” posted Khalwale.

They were scheduled to hold a parallel meeting on January 18 when the BBI gathering will be taking place.

They have vowed not to attend the BBI meeting at Bukhungu Stadium saying they were not involved by the organisers. 

Mudavadi said, as Western leaders, all they want is for Kenyans to shun divisive politics being hatched from BBI.

“My brother Wetangula and I have not received an invitation to the January 18 Bukhungu Meeting. Someone decided to invite us through social media,” he said.

The second phase is expected to alter the BBI proposals with an emphasis on the Executive structure, which many quarters have dismissed as weak.