Nairobi — Demonstrations in support of Press freedom in some towns were low-key.

In Eldoret, former mayor Jonah Magut, nominated councillor Farouk Kibet and Eldoret North Kanu branch secretary Isak Maiyo led residents in demanding the resignation of Internal Security minister John Michuki.

They sought an assurance from the President that there would be no further attacks on the Press or the freedom of expression.

In Nyamira, supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement defied police warnings and staged a demonstration in the town streets.

Police officers

A combined force of regular and Administration Police officers, led by Nyamira police station boss Terry Muchemi followed them closely.

The demonstrators accused the Government of trying to impose controls on the Press.

A pro-Government demonstration in Nyeri Town failed to take off after misunderstandings among local leaders. Some of the leaders wanted to have the demonstration put off until Friday while others wanted it called off altogether as they studied the political climate.

The demonstration had been proposed by the Othaya Narc office. Mr Julius Makhupe, the officer commanding Nyeri police station, confirmed that the Narc office had applied for a permit to hold the demo but the permit had not been collected by 2pm.

A local Narc activist, Mr Joseph Mbau, who was among the organisers of the march, said plans had been finalised including the printing of banners but the procession was cancelled "due to some hitches."

Two rallies were held in Nakuru Town - one condemning the raid and the other supporting the Government action.

Former Molo MP Njenga Mungai led the group supporting the Government saying they expected the media to be responsible. Mr Njenga later addressed a rally at the Railway Station.

Mr Mungai said with the expanded democratic space, Kenyans including the media, should conduct themselves maturely to enhance political stability.

At the Shabaab open ground, leaders and wananchi allied to ODM burnt an effigy of Mr Michuki as they demanded his resignation.

The movement's Nakuru branch chairman, Dr Omondi Ogada, challenged the Government to come clean on the raid.

In Machakos, scores of residents staged peaceful demonstrations to protest at the recent police raid at the Standard newspapers and KTN offices.

The demonstrators later gathered at the Machakos Town bus park where they were addressed by ODM activists.

They asked the President to sack those responsible for the raids.

Reports by Peter Ng'etich, Henry Nyarora, Macharia Mwangi and Stephen Munyiri