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Lawyers want Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and five MPs summoned over remarks linking former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the recent wave of abductions in the country.
In a case filed at the Milimani High Court by Mt Kenya Jurist Association, they seek to compel Atwoli, MPs Kimani Ichung’wah, Junet Mohammed, Oscar Sudi, Mwengi Mutuse, Didmas Baraza and Erick Wamumbi, to appear in court.
They want them to shed light on the claims that Gachagua was behind the abductions of the anti-government activists.
“Their proximity to the government and the manner in which they have scandalized and trivialized such a serious matter suggests that they are in possession of critical information that will aid the court in its inquisitorial exercise of uncovering the identity of the abductors,” the lawyers said
The petitioners argue that the politicians have made statements suggesting Gachagua’s involvement in the abductions, which could provide essential information for ongoing investigations.
“The public statements made by these individuals are not only damaging to Gachagua’s reputation but may also hold key information that could shed light on the abductions,” said lawyer Ndegwa Njiru for the petitioners.
“These statements would suggest to a reasonable person that they could either be aware of who the abductors are, or they could be participating in the illegal acts of abducting innocent Kenyans,” the court papers state.
In addition to the summons, the case seeks to join the applicant, Mt. Kenya Jurists Association, as the 10th interested party in the ongoing proceedings lodged by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and six others.
According to the petition, the named individuals made statements that not only implicate Gachagua in the abductions but also provide critical information that could aid the investigation into the abductions.
The petition primarily targets statements made by National Assembly Majority Leader Ichungw’ah. On January 3, 2025, Ichungw’ah alleged that Gachagua had been facilitating the abductions and attempting to shift the blame to President William Ruto.
“It’s clear Gachagua has been behind these abductions. His aim is to destabilize the government by pinning the blame on President Ruto,” Ichungw’ah claimed at press conference.
The lawyers argue that Ichungw’a’s accusation raises serious questions about Gachagua’s potential role in the disappearances and are calling for his cross-examination in court.
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