- Odinga called for the protests to exert pressure on the government to address their concerns on the high cost of living and opening of IEBC servers claiming the 2022 election was stolen.
- But the demonstrations that took place on Monday have left traders counting losses from the destruction that occurred as a result of the demonstrations which ultimately saw anti-riot police engage the stone-pelting youth for the better part of the day
Image: File
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has said the ‘unlawful public demonstrations’ witnessed on Monday led by Azimio Leader Raila Odinga are aimed at unconstitutionally removing from office the lawfully elected President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto.
Sonko in an amended petition before the Milimani Law courts say the unlawful public demonstrations were disguised as ‘economic protests’ yet in actual fact, they are ‘bitter political expressions of disaffection at Raila’s loss in the August 2022 presidential elections’.
The same he says is evidenced by how he has encouraged and permitted the chants of “Ruto must go” during what he terms the ‘unlawful public gatherings'
Odinga called for the protests to exert pressure on the government to address their concerns on the high cost of living and opening of IEBC servers claiming the 2022 election was stolen.
But the demonstrations that took place on Monday have left traders counting losses from the destruction that occurred as a result of the demonstrations which ultimately saw anti-riot police engage the stone-pelting youth for the better part of the day
National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah in a statement said:
“The violence, chaos, looting, and destruction are also aimed at distracting the country from investigating the shameless siphoning of public funds, crimes against humanity perpetuated through extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances, abuse of office, and State capture. They will fail, and the truth will be known.”
The earlier petition Sonko lodged on March 17 related to what he termed as unlawful demonstration events surrounding the March 20, unlawfully declared public holiday.
Sonko says the aftermath of the unlawful demonstrations which resulted in lawlessness, violence and display of wanton acts of arson necessitated amendment of his petition.
He has asked the court to allow him to amend his petition dated March 17.
Once allowed, the same should be considered as filed and be served upon the respondents in the case.
Justice Hedwig Ong'undi directed the application to be heard on Thursday.
Sonko says contrary to what was witnessed on Monday, article 37 only allows pickets to conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner and must be unarmed.
“Article 37 does not in any way afford any person open-ended rights to cause mayhem, unleash violence, commit acts of arson or otherwise engage in the wanton breach of peace in the name of ‘demonstrations; as is now happening.”
Hae said utterances by Raila to hold the unlawful gatherings every Monday are unnecessarily creating tension across Kenya. It is threatening the stability of the country.
“They are clearly opening the doorway to anarchy and the spiralling erosion of governance in Kenya,” says Sonko
He goes on to further indicate how stunned he was when Raila stated on Monday that his unlawful demonstrations will be carried out on a regular weekly basis.
“This I believe are desperate acts of Raila to escalate his stated unlawful utterances to destabilize the country of Kenya.”
According to the court documents, the aggregate national loss to Kenya’s economy as a result of the unlawful gatherings is approximately Sh10 billion and Raila and his team should be held responsible.
Sonko says unless such demonstrations are guaranteed to be lawful and peaceful, no such gatherings should be permitted.
“Any further demonstrations should be limited to only those where organizers adhere strictly to the provisions of the public order act enacted to ensure the safety and security of all persons.”
Sonko has named Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Jeremiah Kioni, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, Wiper Democratic Party, George Wajackoya, Wycliffe Oparanya, CS Interior, Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General as respondents in the case.