Kenyan court declares lawyer Miguna’s deportation illegal News
Kenyan court declares lawyer Miguna’s deportation illegal

The Nairobi High Court on Thursday revoked lawyer Miguna Miguna’s deportation, declaring it illegal [Citizens TV, report] because it was issued in contempt of court.

Miguna was deported [JURIST report] to Canada earlier this month after he “swore in” opposition leader Raila Odinga [JURIST news archive] as the “People’s President.” Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i ordered Miguna’s deportation, alleging that Miguna relinquished Kenyan citizenship in 1988 when he applied for Canadian citizenship. Miguna was also charged with treason earlier this month after the controversial “swearing in” ceremony. Justice Luka Kimaru ordered Director General of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to appear before the high court to explain why they should not be held in contempt of court for failing to produce Miguna before he was deported.

The government pushed back against the ruling, stating [press release]: “in as much [sic] the government respects the court’s decision; the government still holds its earlier stated view that the deportation of Mr. Miguna Miguna was procedural and done in accordance with the law.” The government also argued that surrendering Miguna’s passport in seven days, as required by the court, is in the best interest of the country.