Karua, Muthama hits out at Uhuru for using state agencies to fight critics

Former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama during a press conference on October 15, 2020, in Gigiri. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama have accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of taking Kenya back to the dark days.

The duo, while speaking separately, claimed there was a scheme by the State to use security agencies to silence politicians critical of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

They claimed the president and ODM leader Raila Odinga have resorted to the use of unconstitutional means to gag leaders opposed to the push to amend the constitution.

Karua cited the recent directives by the National Security Advisory Committee on political gatherings as part of well-orchestrated attempts by Uhuru to fight certain political leaders.

“It is now time for Kenyans to stand up, speak out and reject these well-documented attempts by the president to overthrow the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” said Karua, during a press conference at Narc Kenya headquarters in Nairobi.

Political tensions

“We must all rise to reject these unconstitutional directives which seek to gag Kenyans opposed to the BBI,” she added.

Muthama said the international community should take note of the political tensions in the country and punish those responsible.

The former senator asked Kenyans to reject any attempt to clawbacks gains made in expanding the country’s democratic space.

“We call upon Kenyans to remain vigilant, steadfast and defiant in our peaceful defence of our constitutional and democratic rights,” said Muthama.

“The Judiciary and other constitutional organs should remain courageous and unbowed in upholding the rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism,” he added at a press conference in his Nairobi office.

Muthama was accompanied by former senators Hassan Omar (Mombasa) and Boni Khalwale (Kakamega).

Deputy President William Ruto became the first casualty of the tough security measures adopted by the Cabinet that require conveners of public gatherings to seek approval from security teams.

The directive requires that a convener of a public meeting or a procession notify the officer commanding station of such intent at least three days but not more than 14 days before the proposed event.

Ruto was forced by the police to abandon an event in Nyamira and Mumias last week and at the weekend after security teams outlawed them.