By Collins Wanzalla, TheDispatch.Digital Correspondent
NAIROBI, August 8, 2024 — The High Court in Nairobi has issued orders halting the arrest and intimidation of two Nairobi MPs allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The MPs, James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and Benjamin Mwangi (Embakasi Central), are being pursued in connection with their alleged sponsorship of anti-government protests led by Gen Z youths.
The court’s decision comes after lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui filed a petition on behalf of the MPs, arguing that their clients’ liberties were being violated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The court has issued a conservatory order restraining the DCI from arresting, detaining, or interfering with the MPs’ freedom until September 17, 2024.
“That in the meantime, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondent, their agents and or servants from arresting, detaining, confining, pursuing, and or in any other way interfering with the petitioners’ liberty in connection with the allegations giving rise to this petition until September 17, 2024,” reads part of the orders.
According to Omari, the MPs were summoned by the DCI for interrogation regarding their alleged role in sponsoring the anti-government protests, which they argue is an infringement of the youths’ constitutional rights to demand government accountability.
“Our clients were summoned by the DCI, where they were questioned for several hours over the alleged sponsoring of the youths against the government in the city. This is wrong, given that those youths were exercising their rights under the constitution to question the government’s accountability,” Omari stated.
Omari further contended that the MPs are being targeted due to their association with Deputy President Gachagua, suggesting a political motive behind the DCI’s actions. He compared the situation to past political persecutions, asserting that Gachagua is facing the same challenges that President William Ruto faced as Deputy President.
“This is purely a political witch hunt, just because they are friends with the Deputy President. I think we are going back to the dark days where such institutions were being used to intimidate others. Gachagua is actually where President Ruto was back then as the Deputy President,” Omari added.
The court’s ruling provides temporary relief for the MPs and highlights the ongoing political tensions within the Kenyan government. As the legal battle continues, the allegations of political witch hunts and misuse of state institutions remain a contentious issue.