Court Orders Gov't to Reinstate Orengo, Ndii and Wanjigi's Passports

High Court has temporarily lifted government's decision to suspend passports of seven National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders among them strategist David Ndii, Siaya Senator James Orengo and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi.

On Monday, Justice John Mativo ordered the leaders be given back the travel documents pending the hearing of a case where they are challenging the government's move.

Other opposition leaders seeking restoration of the passports include; political scientist Dr. Adams Oloo, Raila's lawyer Paul Mwangi, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Simba Arati and Henry Mien, a member of the Nasa strategy team.

Immigration Director Gordon Kihalangwa and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have been listed as respondents in the case.

In their petition lodged at the Milimani Law courts, the seven argue that the decision to suspend their passports is “unreasonable, grossly heavy handed and unjustified in an open democratic society.”

“Our rights and freedom including association, expression and equal protection of law and right to a passport have accordingly been grossly infringed and threatened without lawful justification,” reads the petition.

Government allegedly withdrew the passports due to their involvement in the swearing in of opposition leader Raila Odinga.