Jubilee MPs sue Opposition leaders for contempt

Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Mosyoka, Moses Wetang'ula and James Orengo risk being punished by the courts for the ongoing anti-IEBC protests.

Yesterday, five Jubilee MPs filed contempt of court proceedings against the CORD leaders accusing them of defying orders that sought to restrain them and their supporters from engaging in chaotic demonstrations.
Justice Joseph Onguto, who certified the matter as urgent, directed Mr Orengo to appear in court on May 26 since he had been adversely mentioned in the contempt petition.

"The petition seeks interpretation of the rule of law and respect for court orders. I therefore certify it as urgent and order parties be served immediately," ruled Justice Onguto.

The judge said that on the basis of the evidence filed before court, he was convinced that Orengo ought to be enjoined in the contemptproceedings.

Lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui wants the leaders cited for contempt for failing to control their supporters during last week’s protests that turned chaotic.

According to Jubilee MPs Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town) and Dennis Waweru (Dagoretti South), the CORD supporters' actions bordered on breach of court orders.

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They told the court that protestors damaged property of unknown value, resulting in serious losses and damage to the traders who had nothing to do with the said protests.

The MPs further claimed that the protestors were a threat to Kenyans seeking to access the IEBC offices.
Justice Isaac Lenaola had okayed peaceful demonstrations and picketing, saying Kenyans have the right to do so.
In his ruling earlier this month, the judge held that while demonstrating, the protestors must respect the rights of others and picket without being armed.

On Monday, April 25, the Opposition and their supporters engaged police in running battles as they maintained their quest to ensure IEBC commissioners leave office ahead of the 2017 General Election.
The MPs told the court that the Opposition had failed to petition Parliament or initiate any complaints against IEBC in court.

Despite the court order issued on April 29, the Opposition marched to IEBC offices countrywide.