Uriri MP Nyamita sues State over Raila security

Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga addresses supporters at Prophet Owuor Grounds in Kibos, Kisumu County, on October 20, 2017. His security detail was withdrawn last month. PHOTO | ONDARI OGEGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Nyamita said the move by the government is aimed at intimidating the coalition leaders.
  • High Court judge Enoch Chacha Mwita set Monday as the date for the hearing.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has sued the State over the withdrawal of security of National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka last month.

Through lawyer Esther Ang’awa, Mr Nyamita has sued the Inspector General of Police, acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Attorney General Githu Muigai.

DEMOS

He claimed that the withdrawal of their security came soon after Nasa’s first announcement calling on its supporters to demonstrate countrywide to demand electoral reforms before the repeat presidential poll is held.

According to the legislator, the withdrawal of Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka’s security is aimed at intimidating the coalition leaders.

“Mr Myamita is reasonably apprehensive that there is an unrelenting and malevolent effort of some State actors to intimidate Mr Odinga into submission as well as preventing him from engaging in peaceful demonstrations or other rallies for fear of his life by withdrawing his lawful security,” Ms Ang’awa said.

GUARDS

She added: “To date, Mr Odinga’s security detail remains withdrawn without lawful cause in spite of numerous calls for reinstatement thereby exposing him to all manner of danger including the risk of assassination.”

Mr Odinga’s security was withdrawn on September 25, while the number of Mr Musyoka's guards were reduced.

High Court judge Enoch Chacha Mwita set Monday as the date for the hearing.