MP Ngunjiri Wambugu petition sparks protests in Kisii

Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu Photo:Courtesy

Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu was on the receiving end for filing a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice David Maraga from office.

Mr Wambugu's petition was greeted with a barrage of criticism from his constituents, and demonstrations in Kisii and Nyamira counties.

In Keroka town, Kisii, a group of youths from Kisii and Nyamira demanded an apology from Jubilee Party, which they said was behind Wambugu's petition.

Minutes after the MP petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for Mr Maraga's removal, his constituents took to social media to castigate his decision.

Nyeri governor election loser Patrick Munene was among the first to react. He described the move as "reckless".

"Your mission is misguided, irresponsible and reckless," said Mr Munene.

Wambugu Nyamu, who vied for the Nyeri Senate seat on August 8, also criticised the move.

"This is not the time for such actions. We should be busy campaigning for the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta," said Mr Nyamu.

Mwaniki Mwariri stated: "UhuRuto wooing Kisii while Wambugu is undoing everything. Is Wambugu supporting Uhuru? I doubt. Timing in politics is very important."

PUBLICITY STUNT

Wanjiru Kanyogo, a Nyeri resident said: "I also don't support this. I feel it is a publicity stunt."

Erustus Murithi also dismissed the move as a publicity stunt.

And leading the angry youths in Keroka, Wilfred Gisiore described the President's attacks on the Chief Justice as careless and ill-intended.

"President Kenyatta is not sincere with his remarks. We will hold weekly protests until he tenders an apology to the Kisii community," said Mr Gisiore.

He said the Nyeri MP's petition was filed to provoke Kenyans and justify the irregularities committed during the August 8 elections.

Another group from Kisii town led by lawyer Seth Anunda also condemned the filing of the petition.

"This is a slap in the face of the Kisii community and the Chief Justice. We must have leaders who respect constitutional and independent bodies," said Mr Anunda.

A number of MPs from Kisii and Nyamira counties, led by Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), asked Wambugu to withdraw the petition immediately.