A private citizen Martin Gitau, through his lawyer Adrian Kamotho on Monday, 17 July, filed a petition seeking to bar the opposition from holding maandamano this week.
In his petition, Gitau claims that the protests are not in accordance with the law because of destruction of property, injuries, and loss of life.
Additionally, he stated that the demonstrations are hurting the economy of the country and that should the situation continue, then more losses will follow.
The petitioner also wants the Registrar of political parties not to release funds for political parties.
Also Read: Ruto Answers Raila on 3 Days of Maandamano
Following the petition, the court has issued a temporary order restraining the Respondents, their agents, servants, supporters and/or any person whatsoever from holding violent protests, barricading roads, destroying critical infrastructure, disrupting the lives of non-demonstrators or in any manner using the subsisting democratic space to destroy property, intimidate disinterested persons or to loot business premises.
Azimio maintains stance on demos
However, the Azimio leader has maintained his stand on demonstrations. Addressing the media, the Minority leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi said the demonstrations are on.
“Protests will go on in line with Article 37 of our Constitution, which provides for freedom of peaceful assembly.
Also Read: Azimio Gives Update a Day to Wednesday Protests
Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities” said the Minority Leader
The Minority leader went ahead to tell the ruling regime should quit and pave way for new leadership as they are unable to provide for Kenyans better living conditions.
“Kenya Kwanza is struggling on all fronts. We call on Kenyans to wake up to the reality that we are on our own, and we have to fight for ourselves.”
Looming showdown
A fierce confrontation is looming between the opposition and the state. While the opposition chief Raila Odinga maintains that the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday demos will take place, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that not more protests will take place under his watch.
During a parliamentary group meeting with Kenya Kwanza legislators, Ruto gave firm instructions to ensure no demonstrations happen in their respective constituencies.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also directed the police to decisively deal with demonstrators.
