Raila, Uhuru Given 10 Days to Respond to Mass Protest Case

Azimio leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have been given 10 days to respond to allegations of sponsoring a wave of violent protests. 

The case filed by Martin Gitau has been certified as urgent by Justice Lawrence Mugambi who has ordered Gitau to serve the papers to the respondents within three days. Gitau, represented by lawyer Adrian Kamotho, filed the case on Monday to put a stop to mass protests announced by Raila Odinga. Gitau claimed that the protests have paralyzed businesses and transport systems in affected areas, and are detrimental to the majority of law-abiding citizens who simply want to carry on with their daily activities without disruptions. 

If the court does not intervene, Gitau fears that the respondents will continue their unlawful course of violent protests. He has asked the court to prevent any destruction of property, intimidation of innocent people, or looting during political protests. He also calls for a temporary restraining order on the release of political party funds by the Attorney General. 

However, the court has not made a decision on these requests and instead has scheduled a mention date for September 21 for compliance and further directions. The date dealt a blow to Gitau since Azimio demos are slated for July 19-21. Gitau accused the respondents of sponsoring violent protests resulting in the deaths of innocent citizens and security officers. He cited a specific instance where Raila called for country-wide protests against the government on July 7 while attending a function in Kisumu.

"What followed on July 7 was demonstrations characterized by catastrophic violence, tragic chaos, and ruinous destruction of both private and public property," Gitau stated.