Blow to Matiang'i after High Court's ruling

juma chrispinus

October 17, 2017 10:09 AM

The move comes after the International Community pleaded with Uhuru's team.

Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i was Tuesday handed a blow by the High Court after a decision to quash his earlier ban on Nasa demos.

A High Court sitting in Nairobi temporarily ordered a lift on the ban earlier issued by Dr Matiang'i on NASA demos in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu CBDs.

The court has issued orders restraining the police from pursuing Nasa chief Executive Officer Mr Norman Magaya.

READ: Matiang'i forces top Nasa official to go into hiding

On Thursday last week, Dr Matiang’i moved to strike out demonstrations in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa, and ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nasa leader Mr Magaya.

He noted there have been more cases of looting and grave damage to public property.

"Due to the clear danger posed to the government, it has resolved to ban all demonstrations across the Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu CBDs," he told journalists on Thursday.

He added: "I will further issue a gazette notice with regulations that govern the conduct of demonstrations."

Matiang'i also said organisers of demonstrations will be held personally liable for any damage caused.

The CS cited damage to vehicles and public property and attacks on innocent civilians and police in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya and Nairobi.

Matiang'i had noted that the government would not sit back and tolerate activities aimed at crippling the economy.

"As much as the constitution allows people to picket and demonstrate, the government's key priority is to protect its citizens and their property and this, for sure, we shall do without fear or favour," he said.

Matiang'i also said that due to the extent of damage, action will be taken against "organisers" Norman Magaya of NASA.

"We have requested all citizens whose property was either vandalised, looted or damaged to record statements with the OCS at Central police station. Once we assess the damage, we shall prefer charges against Magaya."

Meanwhile, Nasa demonstrations took a break on Tuesday, with Nasa leaders saying that the move is a way to mourn with the persons killed in the demonstrations.

The lifting of the ban on demonstrations comes a day after the International Community pleading with the Jubilee Administration to lift the ban on demos. Nasa leaders have since vowed to defy the Matiang’i order on demos.

juma chrispinus