Tobiko warns MRC against separatist slogans

By Ngumbao Kithi

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko has warned the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) that it is a crime to chant separatist slogans.

Tobiko’s warning was directed at MRC leaders for their rallying call Pwani Si Kenya (Coast Province is not Kenya), which lawyers believe amounts to promoting a break up of the country.

Following the ruling, Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Mutua said the judges should have made a ruling on whether it is criminal to chant this slogan.

Tobiko said the July 25 court ruling that lifted the ban on the MRC did not allow it to engage in any separatism because the Constitution of Kenya does not permit secession.

Lawful means

The DPP was addressing a prize giving ceremony at Loreto Convent School in Mombasa on Sunday where he warned that as long as the Constitution creates Kenya’s boundaries under a unitary state, it is criminal to promote secession.

“The court ruling stated the MRC is not a banned group but it must act according to the law,” he said and added judges did not give the group permission to break Kenya’s laws.
“The MRC must understand what the court ruling allowed them to do. They must not go out and spread messages like, Coast is not part of Kenya,” Tobiko said.

According to the DPP the constitution of Kenya has established inviolable borders that must not be challenged through criminal means.

“Mombasa County and Coast Province remain part of Kenya. Nobody should tell you, this region is not in Kenya,” said the DPP who warned MRC not to stretch the meaning the court ruling.

He disclosed the Government is watching the activity of MRC “very closely” to ensure it does not engage in crime or violate the parameters of the court ruling. The DPP also warned the Government not to disrespect court ruling and promote disobedience of court orders.

“There has been blatant disrespect of the court ruling by the Government and this is wrong,” he said.
Contacted, MRC, however, declared it would not abandon its secession bid, claiming Coast was joined to Kenya through a treaty.

MRC Secretary General Hamza Randu claimed on Sunday they are not breaking the law and are ready for talks with the Government on separation. “We are ready to sit with the Government and explain to them how the Coast region became part of Kenya,” he said.

“The State should demonstrate readiness to listen to MRC’s grievances.”