Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga were taken to court on Monday, July 17, ahead of this week's anti-government protests slated to occur between Wednesday, July 19 to Friday, July 21.
In his petition, Martin Gitau, a private citizen, wants the two political bigwigs ordered to call off the demonstrations.
Gitau also enjoined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Azimio Coalition in his suit.
Apart from calling off the protests, Mbugua also wants the court to order the Political Parties Fund not to release funds to political outfits affiliated with the two leaders.
Should the court agree with Gitau's petition filed through Lawyer Adrian Kamotho, Azimio and the coalition's supporters will be barred from engaging in any chaotic picketing.
In the court document, Gitau claimed that the demonstrations were being exploited to destroy and loot property and to inconvenience peaceful citizens.
The petition further states that since the protests kicked in, Kenya's economy has been battered and should they be allowed to go on, the economy risks going on a downward spiral.
Notably, the petition was filed the same day Azimio vowed not to be intimidated into cancelling its anti-government demonstrations.
“These protests will go on in line with Article 37 of our Constitution, which provides for freedom of peaceful assembly,” Azimio stalwarts led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said in a press conference on Monday, July 17.
While Kenya Kwanza politicians have consistently accused Uhuru of funding the protests, Azimio refuted these claims saying that no funds were being channeled towards organising the charged protests.
“For anyone to claim that those protesters who came out in hundreds and thousands in places like Emali, Busia, Kitale, Kisii, Kilifi, Kakamega, Machakos, and Nairobi, among other places, were paid is to be extremely insincere and to live in deep denial,” a statement from Azimio read in part.
On Friday, July 14, President William Ruto warned Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his continued involvement in opposition politics.
The president warned that should his predecessor he continue funding Azimio's protests, he would deal with him the same way he is planning to neutralise Raila.
