Top security chiefs meet over MRC ruling

By Cyrus Ombati and Willis Oketch

Kenya’s top security chiefs  are in an emergency meeting in Nairobi to discuss a court ruling that lifted the ban on Mombasa Republican Council.

The meeting was called by acting Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia who is the chairman of the National Security Advisory Committee amid fears that the ruling could strengthen 32 other outlawed gangs in the country to regroup and cause chaos.

“An urgent national security committee meeting has been called to address the grave implications following today’s (Wednesday) ruling on the MRC. The rule of law will continue to be enforced without fear or favour. The government assures Kenyans of their security and that of their property countrywide,” Mr Kimemia said in a statement.

Those expected to attend the meeting include Director General of National Security Intelligence Services Michael Gichangi, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi and permanent secretaries Mutea Iringo (Internal Security), Thuita Mwangi (Foreign Affairs) and Emanuel Kisombe of immigration among others.

The meeting comes a day after President Kibaki flew out to London to attend the opening of the Olympics.

On Wednesday three High Court judges ruled that the Kenya Gazette notice that outlawed MRC, group advocates the secession of Coast Province citing historical injustices, was unconstitutional.

Judges John Mwera, Mary Kasango and Francis Tuiyott said the State had failed to demonstrate that the ban was justifiable and proportionate.

While lifting the ban, the court declared that no evidence has been adduced to prove MRC’s connection to violent crimes and added the group may agitate its agenda through political and legal means.

The separatists group, however, received a blow when the court ruled that their chants, slogans and “agitation for secession” might constitute hate speech, propaganda for war, incitement to violence or advocacy for hatred, which is “unconstitutional and criminal”.

This suggests that MRC’s slogan Pwani Si Kenya may now be deemed treasonable to the extent that it advocates for break up or incites hatred and violence, which the judges said is illegal.

The court ruled that their chants, slogans and “agitation for secession” might constitute hate speech, propaganda for war, incitement to violence or advocacy for hatred, which is “unconstitutional and criminal”.