By Antynet Ford
Social Justice Organization Bunge la Mwananchi, has called for the protection and return of the security personnel of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This comes as civil society expects the embattled DP to testify at the East African Court in Arusha against the brutal killings and enforced evictions along the Nairobi River next month.
According to Bunge la Mwananchi president Francis Awino, with the claims made by Gachagua that his life is in danger, it is a high risk for them and for justice for the people of Kenya who lost their loved ones during the anti-finance bill protest and families that were forcefully evicted along Nairobi River during the floods earlier this year.
“We are calling upon the state to return the security of Gachagua. He is a key witness in our case that we filed at the East Africa Court as we expect him to testify in the coming few months.” Awino stated.
“The threats to his life or if anything happens to him, is a means to jeopardize justice for families that lost their loved ones and those whose houses were demolished during the floods and forcefully evicted.” He added.
On August 5, 2024, Bunge la Mwananchi through their president Francis Owino filed a case at the regional East Africa Court requesting the court to hold the President, his deputy, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi regional Commander Adamson Bungei and former IG Japhet Koome culpable for the deaths and brutality faced by Kenyans during the anti-government protests.
In the petition, Awino also seeks to ensure the AG initiates the necessary processes to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the human rights violations committed by the police.
They also sought an order to bar the state against all forms of violence against demonstrators and ensure their safety and freedom.
The state is accused of violating human rights by use of force and even killing and leaving others with severe injuries during the recent protests.