Activist sues police Inspector General Joseph Boinnet over State House protests

Activist Boniface Mwangi during a protest on December 1. He has sued the State after he was denied a permit to demonstrate in Nairobi. [Photo: file/Standard]

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi yesterday sued the State for allegedly being denied the right to demonstrate.

Mr Mwangi and other civil rights activists want to demonstrate in Nairobi tomorrow when the world marks the United Nation's International Anti-Corruption Day.

He wants to be allowed to present a petition to President Uhuru Kenyatta regarding the state of corruption in the country on the same day.

In the case, which was certified urgent, Mwangi has sued the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, Kilimani police boss and the Attorney General.

In his petition, Mwangi said that on December 3, he delivered a written notice to the officers at Central Police Station and Kilimani Police Station notifying them of his intention to hold an assembly at Freedom Corner in Nairobi and a march to State House gate A, but the notification was objected by the Kenya Police without providing any reason.

Mwangi claims that he went to Kilimani police station with a notice of the intended march to State House gate A but his request was rejected.

He is further seeking to have Mr Boinnet and the Kilimani police boss compelled to provide security for those who will participate in the protest.

"The police ought to ensure those who will participate in the protest are provided security and should not deny us the right to protest," Mwangi state in the court documents filed at the Milimani Law Courts.

Mwangi says he wanted to present a petition to President Uhuru Kenyatta since he has shown political will to fight corruption. The matter will be heard today before Justice Isaac Lenaola.