James Orengo: Uhuru Kenyatta orchestrated investigations against Hassan Joho

President Uhuru Kenyatta [right] chats with Mombasa county Governor Hassan Joho during the official opening of English point Marina in Mombasa in January 2015. Photo: Omondi Onyango,Standard

Siaya Senator James Orengo Thursday told the High Court in Mombasa that President Uhuru Kenyatta orchestrated a series of investigations launched against vocal Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.

Mr Orengo is representing Mr Joho in a constitutional application filed by the governor seeking a declaration against investigations on him on grounds that he is a victim of gross violation and persecution.

He told the court that Uhuru had a grudge against the governor, which had rubbed off on the Inspector General of Police (IG).

The lawyer told Justice Eric Ogola that Uhuru publicly threatened Joho with dire consequences early this year, followed by the series of probes by various State agencies.

According to Orengo, the IG and police took a cue from the President's threats to orchestrate investigations.

Orengo said he believed Uhuru was behind his client's tribulations because the State started harassing him after the President told a public rally that he would "straighten Joho and fell him".

He told Justice Ogola that Joho started being harassed, with claims that he had a fake academic certificate, which had already been determined by local and Ugandan courts, after Uhuru started threatening him.