RUTO SUFFERS MAJOR SETBACK AS RAILA WINS BIG

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga could have won against President William Ruto after the High Court indefinitely suspended the proceedings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by Ruto to investigate the Shakahola Massacre and religious organizations in the country.

The suspension comes after Raila Odinga filed a petition challenging President Ruto’s decision to appoint the commission.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi of the Milimani High Court granted the suspension, pending his ruling on Raila Odinga’s request to quash the President’s appointment of the commission.

“Since the court is dealing with a question of serious consideration. I thus order in the meantime the status quo remain until Monday next week,” Justice Mugambi ruled.

The judge is set to deliver his ruling on Monday next week. In the meantime, the status quo will be maintained, effectively halting the commission’s work.

The commission, chaired by Justice Jessie Lessit, was sworn in earlier this month and was poised to commence its investigation into the Shakahola Massacre and other religious organizations.

However, lawyer Mwangi, representing Azimio, raised concerns about the appointment process and criticized the inclusion of Justice Lessit, arguing that it compromised the Judiciary’s independence.

Azimio Coalition expressed opposition to the President’s decision, stating that it was a waste of public funds and an attempt to cover up the truth. They pointed out ongoing investigations by the Senate committee and the police into the Shakahola incidents, questioning the need for an additional commission.

The Attorney General defended the commission’s appointment, asserting that the President has the authority to protect the lives of Kenyans.

The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) supported Azimio’s stance, arguing that the commission’s proceedings undermined its own ongoing investigation into human rights violations related to the Shakahola issue.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested to be struck out from the proceedings, stating that it was improperly sued and that the powers of the DPP should not be usurped. The ODPP argued that the criminal investigative process was already underway, but none of their officers were part of the commission.

Azimio’s petition seeks conservatory orders to suspend the commission’s proceedings until their petition is heard and determined. Raila Odinga argues that the appointment of the Justice Lessit-led commission is unconstitutional, claiming that it encroaches upon the mandates of the DPP, IPOA, Inspector General, and KNHRC.

The court’s ruling on the petition and the future of the commission of inquiry will be determined next week, marking a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice for the Shakahola Massacre.