City lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi has issued an advice to President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Government over the arrest of National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders who took part in the controversial swearing-in of Raila Odinga as the People’s President.
Mr. Abdullahi sharply opposed the move to apprehend the leaders as announced by Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
playUhuru’s lawyer opposes Gov’t over arrest of NASA leader (Facebook)
In a statement, the lawyer who was part of President Kenyatta legal team during presidential petition noted that the Government should ignore those who participated in the ceremony terming it a cheap publicity stunt.
“I implore the GOK not to arrest/ prosecute anyone who took part in swearing Hon Raila as the people's President. A mock swearing-in ceremony by a bunch of clowns who pulled a cheap publicity stunt doesn't constitute the criminal offence of treason. All participants lacked mens rea,” he tweeted.
This comes following the arrest of Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang for participating in the oath taking of Mr. Odinga.
Mr. Kajwang, who was dressed in an advocate’s regalia, is believed to have administered the oath to the former Prime Minister. However, Mr. Odinga read the oath by himself without any assistance.
playKisumu Woman Rep Rosa Buyu (left), Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang (centre) and Canadian-based lawyer Miguna Miguna (right). (Facebook)
On Wednesday, CS Matiang'i noted that action will be taken against leaders who took park in the swearing-in ceremony.
The no-nonsense minister emphasised that the event was illegal.
"The Government has commenced full investigations around the purports swearing-in of Raila Odinga. The investigations will extend to co-conspirators and facilitators.
"Upon completion of these investigations, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the Laws of Kenya. Additionally, the Government will prefer appropriate administrative measures on a need by need basis," he said.
