Thursday, February 21, 2013

Top security organ meets over threats to CJ


By Cyrus Ombati
Nairobi, Kenya: The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is set to meet in Nairobi Thursday to discuss threats to the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and judicial officers.
 The NSAC that is chaired by head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia will meet at the Office of the President to discuss the issue.
Kimemia summoned the meeting on Wednesday after he was also being criticised of allegedly harassing the CJ when he was nearly stopped from travelling outside the country by immigration officers.
 The CJ has complained of receiving death threats and being harassed by immigration officers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
 Apart from Kimemia, National Intelligence Service Director General Michael Gichangi, internal security Permanent Secretary Mutea Iringo, his Foreign Affairs counterpart Thuita Mwangi and Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo sit on the committee.
 It is not clear if NSAC will issue a statement later after their meeting. They have not issued a statement in the past meetings.
 Already, the Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko has directed Kimaiyo to investigate threats against the Chief Justice and judicial officers.
 Tobiko said he had received a letter from Mutunga written by a group claiming to be Mungiki Veterans Group/Kenya Sovereignty Defence Squad in which the CJ and other judges are warned or dire consequences over their work
 The threats to the judges were issued before the ruling on an integrity suit against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and his Jubilee running mate William Ruto.
 “The threats contained in the aforesaid letter amount to incitement to violence and a serious interference with and subversion of the administration of justice,” said Tobiko.
 “Due to the nature, gravity and implication of this matter, this is to direct you to cause a thorough and speedy investigation to be carried out with a view to apprehending and bringing to justice the perpetrators of these crimes,” added the DPP. 
 He said he had appointed a team of prosecution counsel in his office to provide legal guidance and advice in the course of the investigation.
“Upon completion of the investigation, the report and findings  thereon should be submitted to me for appropriate directions,” said Tobiko.
 Kimaiyo said earlier he has confidence in the security seconded to the CJ and other members of the judiciary.


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