LSK to challenge swearing-in of Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu Mwenda in court

LSK to challenge swearing-in of Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu Mwenda in court

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) will challenge the swearing-in of Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu Mwenda in court.

Kananu’s rushed vetting, approval by the Nairobi County Assembly and swearing-in, in quick succession on Friday, has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, political parties, activists and lawyers alike questioning the legality of the process.

Kananu’s assumption of office as the first woman deputy governor of Nairobi County has sparked debate and may likely lead to several court cases.

LSK President Nelson Havi told Citizen TV that “the swearing-in of Ann Kananu amounts to a coup upon the constitution. We are going to court.”

The Thirdway Alliance party, which has already filed a case against Kananu, has condemned the process terming it illegal and one that is a clear affront to the rule of law

“Wakati ambapo Speaker Mutura aliapishwa kama gavana mshikilizi ilikuwa wakati wa kuhakikisha kwamba baada ya siku sitini wananchi wa Nairobi wameenda katika uchaguzi na kumchagua gavana ambaye wanampenda,” said Thirdway Alliance Secretary General Fred Okang’o.

A Nairobi resident, Henry Shitanda, has already filed a complaint against Justice Anthony Mrima after the judge dismissed the petitions filed by Activist Okiya Omtatah and former governor Mike Sonko’s lawyers.

Shitanda’s letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), also copied to Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, reads in part “The judge was clearly biased in declining the issuance of conservatory orders, he went against all principles of law. I request that you peruse the aforementioned court files.”

With speculation rife that it is only a matter of time before Kananu is sworn in as Governor, the spectre of multiple court battles is becoming ever more real.

Events this week have scuttled plans announced earlier by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a by-election in Nairobi.

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 16, 2021

Tags:

LSK Nelson Havi Thirdway Alliance Anne Kananu Mwenda Fred Okang’o

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories