Ex-Governor Sonko files case challenging Raila’s ‘public holiday’ declaration

The High Court in Nairobi has said that there’s a laid out procedure for the declaration of public holidays in the country.

High Court Judge Hedwig Ong'udi spoke while giving directions on Friday after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko filed a case challenging Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga’s recent declaration that Monday is a public holiday.

The High Court Judge stated that the matter is of great public interest, directing that it be mentioned on Tuesday next week.

“I have perused the petition, notice of motion and certificate of urgency all dated 17th March, 2023...I have not found any gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Interior declaring 20th of March 2023 a public holiday as per the Constitution," read the court’s directions.

Sonko filed the case after Mr. Odinga on Tuesday this week declared Monday, March 20, 2023, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to participate in planned demonstrations.

Addressing his supporters in Siaya County, the opposition chief appealed to Kenyans to participate in the planned countrywide mass action which seeks to compel the government to lower the cost of living.

He said the demonstrations would be peaceful as he also urged participants to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

"We do not want any kind of violence or bloodshed. It is going to be peaceful and I have also said that we do not want any handshake. We are only doing this because it is the only alternative that we have,” he said.

"In the name of Azimio one Kenya Alliance, we declare that Monday, March 20 will be a public holiday.”

The former premier has however come under heavy criticism since, with religious leaders urging him to backtrack on the plan, and government officials slamming him for purporting to wield powers that he does not since only the Interior Cabinet Secretary is lawfully allowed to declare a public holiday.