Activist Okiya Omtata has sued the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i and Attorney General (AG) Paul Kihara over the recent police reforms.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Omtata revealed that among the issues that have seen him take to the court is the new uniform.
According to the activist, the President does not have powers to institute changes of such magnitude on his own.
In his view, changes such as an overhaul of the police outfit should encompass Constitution reforms.
Besides, the lawyer indicated that other non-major changes within the police force require the Inspector General of police to make the decisions independently.
Omtata further opined that if the government envisioned such far-reaching police reforms, it was necessary to ensure public participation as a matter of national interest in accordance with Article 129.
"I am seeking the court's intervention to protect the Constitution. No matter how necessary the changes were, failure to adhere to the law makes everything illegal," he stated.
Quoting Article 243 and 245 on the establishment and management of the National Police Service (NPS), Omtata wants the court to suspend among other things the implementation of the changes in the structure and command of the NPS and the integration of Kenya Police Service, with the Administration Police Service.
The lawyer further noted that President Uhuru Kenyatta contravened his functions as outlined in Article 132 of the Constitution.
In conclusion, the activist wants the court to consider Article 47 on fair administrative action and ensure the sovereignty of the Constitution.
