MP sues over withdrawal of Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka security details

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has sued the state over the withdrawal of National Super Alliance (Nasa) Presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka’s security since late last month.

Mr Nyamita has sued the Inspector General of Police, acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and the Attorney General.

SECURITY

He claimed that the withdrawal of their security came soon after Nasa’s first announcement on leading its supporters to demonstrate countrywide and the calls for electoral reforms before the repeat presidential polls are held.

According to the legislator, the withdrawal of security is aimed at intimidating the Nasa Coalition principals and to force them to abstain from calling for anti-IEBC protests.

“Mr Nyamita is reasonably apprehensive that there is an unrelenting and malevolent effort of some state actors who are apparently acting at the instruction of third parties with a view 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,” said lawyer Esther Ang’awa,.

“To date, Mr Odinga’s security detail remains withdrawn without lawful cause and in spite of numerous calls for reinstatement thereby exposing him to all manner of danger including the risk of assassination.”

SCALE DOWN

In the case documents, the legislator claimed that the sued parties intend to block Opposition leaders from boldly and publicly expressing divergent, political views as well as fair criticism of the President, the ruling government and the electoral agency through peaceful demonstrations.

Mr Odinga’s security was allegedly withdrawn on September 25 from his residences in Nairobi’s Karen estate and his home in Siaya.

His police guards assigned for personal and escort unit were also recalled on that day to the General Service Unit’s headquarters for redeployment.

On the same day, Mr Musyoka's guards were reduced without notice.

On September 26, the police spokesman explained that the move was just part of scaling down of security guards for all VIPs.

MASS ACTION

However, the MP has faulted Dr Matiang’i for saying that the government would not tolerate security officers being accorded to those who intimidate the state as well as call for mass action.

Mr Nyamita wants the court to certify the matter urgent and hear the case on a priority basis before the October 26 repeat presidential election.

He also wants the sued parties barred from recalling police guards assigned to Opposition leaders once they are reinstated.

The matter will heard on Monday before High Court judge Enoch Chacha Mwita.