MP Sues Government for Withdrawing Raila, Kalonzo Security Details

Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita has taken government to the court over the withdrawal of National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka's security details.

In the suit, Nyamita has sued the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and the Attorney General Githu Muigai, who he says are responsible for the withdrawal of bodyguards attached to the opposition leaders.

The MP argues that the withdrawal is meant tp intimidate Nasa principals and silence them over their anti-IEBC protests.

“The petitioner 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,” Nyamita's lawyer Esther Ang’awa said.

“To date, Mr Odinga’s security detail remains withdrawn without lawful cause and in spite of numerous calls for reinstatement thereby exposing him to all manner of danger including the risk of assassination.”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

The MP further claims that the withdrawal is meant to block the Opposition leaders from expressing their divergent political views as well as fair criticism of President Uhuru, Jubilee government and IEBC through peaceful protests.

Raila's security manning his residences in Nairobi’s Karen estate and his home in Siaya were reportedly withdrawn last month, while his personal and escort unit were also recalled later.

In a statement, police spokesman Charles Owino, however, explained that the withdrawal was part of government's scaling down of security guards assigned to all VIPs.

Nyamita wants the court to bar the sued parties from recalling security officers attached to Opposition leaders once they are reinstated.

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