20 Important things you have missed since TV Shut Down
Here are the full details of what you didn't see
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For Kenyans who do not have the luxury of internet access a lot has happened in the seven days the Government decided to plunge the country into darkness with the sole purpose of trying to stop the broadcasting of NASA leader Raila Odinga's swearing-in.
Here are 20 important things that have since happened:
1. Raila Swearing-in
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The former Prime Minister was sworn in at the People’s President of the Republic of Kenya before a mammoth crowd at the Uhuru Park.
2. Kalonzo snubbed the ceremony
Mr. Odinga’s running mate and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka missed the much-hyped ceremony. Also, co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula were nowhere to be seen during the controversial swearing-in that took place on January 30, 2018.
3. Kalonzo home attack
On Wednesday, January 31, 2018, unknown gunmen allegedly launched an attack at Mr. Musyoka’s Karen home where they opened fire and threw a stud gun grenade.
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4. Matiang'i declares NRM illegal, threatens to arrest members
After the swearing-in of Mr. Odinga, Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i called a press conference where he announced that those who participated in the event would be arrested.
He declared the National Resistance Movement (NRM) illegal noting that its members would be arrested.
He further declared that the order to close Television stations would remain highlighting that there were journalists working with NRM to disrupt National Unity. The CS noted that such culprits would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.
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5. NTV journalists hunted down by Police
Celebrated NTV news anchor Larry Madowo, Managing Editor Linus Kaikai and journalist Ken Mijungu were troubled men last week after plain-clothed police officers proceeded to the Nation Centre with the intent of arresting them.
The trio was forced to sleep at the offices after it was established that the officers were hovering around the building to arrest them.
6. Court revokes closure of TV stations
Activist Okiya Omtatah moved to court to have the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) lift the order to close the Television stations.
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On Thursday High Court ordered CA to restore the broadcast of the three television stations.
Mr. Omtatah was instructed to serve the orders to the firm, Attorney-General, and the ICT and Interior ministries6.NASA leaders arrested.
7. Omtatah blocked
The activist proceeded to present the court papers to CA but was allegedly prevented by a man in a black suit who claimed to be a police officer.
Mr. Omtatah said: “A man in a black suit, who claims to be a police officer, has blocked my access to the CA at the gate. He claims he has instructions from above not to allow me or anybody to serve the court order suspending the media shutdown. I am staying put until I serve these orders.”
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8. NASA leaders arrested
After Matiang’i’s declaration, the first NASA leader to be arrested was Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang who is believed to be the judicial officer who helped Odinga to take the oath of office as the People’s President.
On Friday, Self-declared NRM General Miguna Miguna was the next person to be taken into custody. Miguna’s arrest was dramatic as flying squad officers stormed his Runda home where they apprehended him.
Before his arrest, the former Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant had dared CS Matiang’i to arrest him and instructed NRM members to pull down President Uhuru Kenyatta’s portraits from their homes and premises.
On Saturday, Makadara legislator George Aladwa was the third person to face arrest. Mr. Aladwa was accused of masterminding the attack on Kalonzo’s home.
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9. Miguna Released
The arrest of the Canadian-based lawyer marked the beginning of protests among NASA supporters, who were demanding his release.
After the intervention by NASA-affiliated lawyer Edwin Sifuna, the high court ordered his release on a Sh50, 000 cash bail but officers failed to obey the order.
10. Miguna Asthma attack
On Sunday Mr. Miguna reportedly suffered an asthma attack while in police custody. According to lawyer Edwin Sifuna police also denied him medical attention.
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“It’s true. We received info that Miguna has suffered an Asthma attack. I have with me an inhaler but the OCS has become hostile. He won’t let me see my client give him the medication. #FreeMigunaMigunaNow #freemigunamiguna,” Sifuna posted.
11. Uhuru asks journalist to pack and leave
On Friday, a day after high Court ordered the Communication Authority of Kenya to restore broadcasting of the three Television stations, Mr. Kenyatta was launching the Service Standing Orders (SSOs) at the Kenya School of Government where he asked journalists to leave.
Shortly after making his remarks, the President asked journalists to switch off their equipment and leave saying "their work was done"
12. Youth want to swear-in Joho
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In Mombasa, a group of youth took to the streets demonstrating against NASA co-principals Kalonzo, Mudavadi and Wetangula for snubbing Mr. ODinga’s swearing-in
They praised Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for being beside the NASA leader during the ceremony and demanded he is sworn-in as the Deputy People’s President.
13. NASA co-principals defend themselves
After their conspicuous absence at Odinga’s swearing-in, NASA co-principals- Kalonzo, Mudavadi, and Wetangula held a press conference on Thursday where they explained why they were not able to attend the event at Uhuru Park.
14. US & AU criticize Raila Swearing-in
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On Thursday, the United States and African Union (AU) sharply condemned the swearing-in of Mr. Odinga as the People’s President.
“We reject actions that undermine Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law. Uhuru Kenyatta was elected as President of the Republic of Kenya on October 26, 2017, in a poll that was upheld by Kenya’s Supreme Court. Grievances must be resolved through appropriate legal mechanisms,” the US statement reads in part.
15. Wamalwa’s wife buried
The wife of Kenya’s late Vice President Kijana Wamalwa, Yvonne, was buried on Saturday at her home in Kitale.
16. Igathe finally resigns
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Former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe’s resignation notice finally took effect on January 31, 2018.
17. Raila to form Cabinet
National Assembly minority leader John Mbadi on Sunday announced that he was expecting Mr. Odinga to form his Cabinet, which he will be presenting to Parliament
18. Baba Dogo Rally
NASA finally held its first political rally after Mr. Odinga took the oath of office. The rally was held at Baba Dogo but the self-declared People’s President was absent.
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19. Raila first meeting with Envoy
According to Siaya Senator James Orengo, Mr. Odinga failed to attend the Baba Dogo rally after he was called on by the foreign envoy for an urgent meeting.
Mr. Orengo told NASA supporters that the meeting was to discuss pertinent issues
20. Sauti Sol scandal
Celebrated boy band Sauti Sol was on the receiving end for the better part of the weekend after they offered to pay model who would appear in their upcoming video with food, bus fare, and exposure.
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After heavy bashing, the award-winning band resorted to canceling the video shoot.
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