Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga is to travel to Toronto, Canada in a bid to bring back lawyer Miguna Miguna, who is living in exile.
Through a detailed publication, the emeritus Chief Justice states that he plans to travel on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 to accompany Miguna back to his motherland.
Justifying his decision, Mutunga noted that he aims to bring back Miguna as a way of defending with the aim of defending the independence of the judiciary.
'After careful reflection and following broad consultations with lawyers, human rights and justice defenders, progressive politicians, and Mr Miguna himself, I have decided to travel to Toronto, Canada, to accompany Mr Miguna on his flight back to his motherland on 16 November 2021. I am also seeking out Kenyan journalists who will accompany me on this historic journey," he revealed in the publication.
He also added that he bases his decision to travel on the defiance of the Kenyan government , its agencies and senior officials against the numerous court orders in favour of Mr Miguna.
He, through the publication explains the frustration that Miguna has faced in the hands of the Kenyan government that led to his exile in Canada.
"As you may recall, Mr Miguna was illegally abducted from his house in Nairobi on 2 February 2018, detained incommunicado and tortured for six days." he revealed in the publication.
"Mr Miguna's house was unlawfully destroyed with detonators. In defiance of habeas corpus orders issued by the Honorable Justice Wakiaga and the Honorable Justice Luka Kimaru directing that Miguna be released immediately and taken to court, the Government of Kenya illegally seized his valid Kenya passport and forced him into exile in Canada," the statement read.
He then proceeded to urge all Kenyans to demand for the government to fully comply with the orders issued by the court, such as the payment of awards, costs and their accruing interests.
In a list of demands to the government, the former CJ insists that all red alerts issued against Miguna be withdrawn to allow all airlines fly him back to Kenya.
He also demands that the government issues a public apology to Miguna Miguna and to all Kenyans for all the violations of the constitution and contempt of court, and that it complies fully with all court orders.
Mutunga wants Miguna's rights safeguarded, including his right to be issued with a valid Kenyan passport , his right to freedom of speech and the government to ensure his safety from arrest, detention, harassment, threats, intimidation and abuse.
Miguna took to his Twitter handle to thank the former CJ on his decision to travel to Canada to accompany him home.
"It's 1357 days(3 years, 8 months and 18 days) since I was forcefully exiled. We need genuine freedom. Let them remove the red alerts! I'm ready!" he expressed.
