MORE than 500 Narok residents yesterday held demonstration in support of President Kibaki's posting of the county commissioners. The residents blocked the busy Narok-Mai Mahiu road for one hour causing a traffic snarl-up in the region.

Robert Ayuka, their spokesman, said the commissioners play a great role in linking the county government and the central government. "They are the key people in connecting the people between the grass root level and national government hence the need for their existence," he said. He said the issue of gender parity as mentioned in the constitution should be addressed. Ayuka is a member of Kenya Against Operation and Torture. They presented a memorandum addressed President Kibaki to the Narok North Senior district officer.

Last week, Justice Mumbi Ngugi ruled the commissioners were illegally in office, as the President had no powers to appoint them while saying that he failed to consult the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as it is a requirement in the coalition government. On Thursday, acting internal security minister Yusuf Haji went to court to appeal for the decision by Justice Mumbi.