Police had no business summoning Muthama- CORD

Police had no business summoning Muthama- CORD

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders have faulted police for summoning Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama over his controversial remarks at a CORD rally on Wednesday.

Speaking after Muthama presented himself at the CID at Nairobi County Police Headquarters, CORD luminary Raila Odinga said the senator had no case to answer as alleged.

The former PM instead accused police of not being independent because they summoned Muthama following an order by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.

Muthama’s lawyers, John Khaminwa and Harun Ndubi, said such a directive should have come from the Inspector General and not the CS.

The lawyers say police told Muthama they will consult with the CID on what crime should be preferred against him.

Nkaissery also directed National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to probe him over claims of incitement and disrespect to the President and Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru.

On Wednesday, during a CORD rally in solidarity with the striking teachers, Senator Muthama allegedly attacked President Uhuru Kenyatta and CS Anne Waiguru verbally, something that has elicited mixed reactions from the opposing political factions with the CORD coalition supporting him while the ruling Jubilee side calling for his immediate arrest.

Muthama, who is known for making blunt remarks against the Kenyatta administration, has been accused of insulting the Office of the President as well as the person of the Head of State.

According to the letter signed by Nkaissery from Texas, U.S., “Mr. Muthama has made a habit of verbally attacking state officers in a manner that is intended to undermine cohesion and national unity for political gain”.

The letter read in part: “Such conduct should not be confused for the rights of expression that every Kenyan is guaranteed. It is, therefore, imperative that investigations into the speech and its intent begin in earnest.”

Muthama, who is known for making blunt remarks against the Kenyatta administration, has been accused of insulting the Office of the President as well as the person of the Head of State.

According to the letter signed by Nkaissery from Texas, U.S., “Mr. Muthama has made a habit of verbally attacking state officers in a manner that is intended to undermine cohesion and national unity for political gain”.

Muthama is being investigated for five counts including pronouncements that call for unconstitutional change of government, calling Kenyans to violence, and readiness to “die to defend their rights”. Nkaissery says this call is extremely serious because it contravenes the basic tenets of the constitution.

Muthama is said to have termed Waiguru as President Kenyatta’s favourite CS despite being embroiled in graft allegations in the National Youth Service where over Ksh 700 million was lost through questionable procurement process.

Muthama is also accused of alleging that the CS has an affair with the Head of State and called for her removal from office.

 

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CORD kenya raila odinga Muthama

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