Mutunga on bringing Miguna back even if it means colliding with gov't: I'm doing it for the country

In a new interview with Sunday Nation, Dr. Mutunga stated that he is not worried about clashing with the government on the matter. 

“I have been in collision with Kenyan governments since the 1970s. That will not be new. I am doing it for the country, ” said Mutunga. 

The former President of the Supreme Court called on more people to join in the efforts to accompany Miguna back home. 

“There was an order that Miguna could be accompanied by a representative of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. That did not happen. I said that if the order is that he be accompanied by somebody, I can do it. Journalists, the Law Society of Kenya, and other people who want to come are free to do so. It is just a matter of solidarity,” he told Sunday Nation. 

Dr. Mutunga further divulged why he chose to take on the matter now, at a time when the country is heating up with political campaigns gearing towards the 2022 General elections. 

“This is the proper season for political parties that want to take up these issues as their own in the campaigns. That is the timing from my perspective. Resurrect it, let people talk about the orders from the courts which should be obeyed, and let this be an issue in the 2022 elections,” he said. 

“Let us see what the leaders say about court orders, let’s see what position they take on Miguna.” 

Mutunga also stated that he is determined to go about the red alerts issued by the state on Miguna Miguna, saying they are against court orders and thus hold no water. 

“We have asked for legal advice on red alerts, including their legality under international law. Can airlines refuse to fly you to your country of origin when you have a national ID? We lose passports sometimes, but when we get to Nairobi, we use ID. The courts have said Miguna is a Kenyan citizen. Once we know which route he is taking, we want to find out which countries have these red alerts and determine the best way to deal with them and their airlines.” 

“In my view, it is not the airlines’ business to offload passengers on the basis of red alerts that they have not investigated, said Mutunga, adding: “We are not seeking a confrontation, it is a whole question of dealing with issues in a way that benefits the world as well.” 

Miguna Miguna was first deported in February 2018 after taking part in the swearing-in of ODM leader Raila as the 'People's President' at Uhuru Park on January 30, 2018. He holds dual citizenship for Kenya and Canada, where he was deported. 

Nelson Havi, President of the Law Society of Kenya, has also offered to accompany Willy Mutunga to Canada to bring Miguna back to Kenya.