A coalition of lawyers has filed a petition at the Milimani High Court, demanding the summons of COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and five Members of Parliament (MPs) over their controversial claims linking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a series of recent abductions in Kenya.
The petition, filed by the Mt. Kenya Jurist Association, seeks to compel the involvement of these influential politicians in shedding light on their statements that Gachagua was behind the abductions of anti-government activists.
Among those targeted are MPs Kimani Ichungw’a, Junet Mohammed, Oscar Sudi, Mumwengi Mutuse, Didmas Wekesa Baraza, and Erick Wamumbi, as well as Senate Speaker Kingi.
The lawyers argue that these individuals’ public remarks could hold crucial information that might assist in the ongoing investigations into the abductions.
The petitioners claim the politicians’ proximity to the government and their high-profile roles suggest they may have insider knowledge about the kidnappings.
According to lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, the public statements have not only tarnished Gachagua’s reputation but may also point to key information regarding the perpetrators of the abductions.
These statements, the petitioners argue, warrant serious scrutiny in the court of law.
Notably, the case highlights a series of explosive remarks, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’a’s accusation that Gachagua is orchestrating the abductions to destabilize the government.
Other MPs, including Mwengi Mutuse and Didmas Wekesa Baraza, have also claimed to possess credible information linking Gachagua to the crimes, further fueling the controversy.
In addition to the summons, the petition seeks to have the Mt. Kenya Jurist Association included as a key party in the ongoing proceedings led by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
These political figures are all designated state officers under the Constitution, and the petitioners argue that their public conduct may have violated the Leadership and Integrity Act.
