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The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) has thrown its voice in the ongoing standoff between the government and self-proclaimed National Resistance Movement (NRM) general Miguna Miguna.
In a statement on Friday, KDA chairmanShem Ochuodho termed this week's drama at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as "juvenile", noting that it might have serious implications on Kenya.
Ochuodho said the incident has eroded the gains made by the unity pact reached between President Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"KDA resents Miguna’s rabid style of doing things but that does not entitle anyone, not even security apparatus, to blatantly abuse his inalienable rights. Much more, nobody, especially not the State and its organs maintained by Kenyan taxes, should blatantly disregard court decisions repeatedly," he said.
He further hit out at Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and former Immigration Director Gordon Kihalangwa, terming their disregard for court orders as "impunity at its best".
"We are reliably informed by US-based members that there is a serious rethink of direct flights to the JKIA. What a costly blunder this would be. Was the belligerence in handling the Miguna matter, as well as barbaric attacks on his lawyers and the media, worth the price–both financial and strategic?" Ochuodho asked.
"There are also claims of Emirates withdrawing flights to Nairobi. Surely, don’t we have a Constitution that guarantees civil liberties and a claim to legitimacy as a modern democracy?"
KDA also defended Miguna from claims by the State that he was not a Kenyan citizen because he had acquired Canadian nationality and declined to apply for Kenyan citizenship after the promulgation of 2010 Constitution, which provided for dual citizenship..
"As a dual citizen, Miguna is a member of the Diaspora community. Even as we expect him to fully abide by the laws of Kenya, his rights too must be respected," Ochuodho said.
He added: "How does the State expect ordinary Kenyans, who haven’t sworn to protect the Constitution, to obey it if it not only ignores it but also disparages court decisions?"
He challenged the government to come out clean about Miguna's case and the mystery surrounding his citizenship.
"The State must tell Kenyans if it was fraudulently done, and if so, what’s the evidence? Why was his passport confiscated? Why did Miguna refuse to fill forms - instead tearing them - and which forms were they?"
Miguna, who maintains that he never denounced his Kenyan citizenship, was kicked out of Kenya for the second time in a span of one month. He was deported to Canada on February 6th over his role in the mock swearing-in of National Super Alliance (Nasa) chief Raila Odinga.
Miguna remains stranded in Dubai after he was bundled out of the country on Wednesday, a day after he landed at the JKIA on Monday afternoon. He was denied entry into Kenya after refusing to produce the travel documents to immigration officials at the airport.
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This is becoming boring. His lawyers ill advised him. His accomplice the day he landed should ship him his Canadian passport. Go home to Canada then apply for the citizenship. Maisha mafupi MM and you have a family. Strange... I have not heard you utter one word about your kids. They must be hurting. Use another strategy ndugu. Humble pie may be just the tonic needed.
Mr. Ochuodho, your assertions are nothing but garbage that's not based on facts. Emirates harvests lots of money from the Dubai- Nairobi route. And you really think they can cancel for Miguna? Direct flight from Nairobi are beneficial to both Kenya and the US. And you think they can be cancelled because of Miguna. Think before you utter words.
Who does Ochudho speak for?What is KDA?Who elected him after been rejected by Karachuonyoans?
What is this thing they are calling KDA and who does it represent or speak for? Let it be known: The diaspora is a very diverse group living in almost all the 50 states in the US. There is very little that connects us except the fact that we have roots in Kenya. There are many groups formed by Kenyans in the US but the majority are apolitical. There is no, nor has there been a group that speaks for all Kenyans in the US. If a small group or an individual wants to comment on any matter or issue, let them name themselves and never say they are speaking for the diasporans. Those who claim they are doing so collectively are liars and a dishonest bunch of individuals. They speak for themselves and they should state so candidly in their message otherwise this is but academic injustice and dishonesty.
Me thinks these Kenyan Judges and lawyers, mainly from one tribe, have a conspiracy. Why is the likes of this Ochuodho trying to use all manner of justifications to SUPPORT a LAW-BREAKING idiot? Can they take time to EDUCATE most of us who ARE and WERE REQUIRED to reapply for citizenship. WHY is Miguna DIFFERENT? Are they trying to set a precedent for other dual citizens and/or visitors on how NOT to COMPLY with immigration requirements and bully their way into our country?
For a lawyer like Miguna, behaving in such a way to provoke immigration officers to drive them to SEEM to mishandle him.....ACTING FOR THE WESTERN CAMERAS with the intention of TAINTING Kenya's image abroad is "juvenile" indeed.. a slave-mentality from a self-seeking, attention-deficient, 'learned' bonehead out to INTIMIDATE, SHAME and HARM a country he claims (in words and not actions) as his own.
A number of current court rulings are confusing me, Wanjiku, the more. I feel like those who are blatantly endangering MY FREEDOMS are being protected MORE than my neighbor and I, who observe the laws of the land to the letter. From now hence, should I strive to OBEY THE LAWS OF THE LAND first OR to HAVE MY RIGHTS PROTECTED first?