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The day Fred Matiang’i lectured MPs, blasted Judiciary over Miguna’s passport

By Nyaboga Kiage September 21st, 2022 2 min read

Now that exiled lawyer Dr Miguna Miguna has received his passport after being without it for 1687 days, the tale of his troubles with the government of Kenya can be traced back and and retold.

Dr Miguna has for years tried to get back his Kenyan passport with the government insisting that he should apply for citizenship afresh.

On a number of occasions Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i was summoned by Members of Parliament to explain the Miguna passport issue.

On April 3, 2018, Dr Matiang’i appeared before the security committee in parliament where he lectured the MPs, saying the Judiciary was out to embarrass him.

Also read: Road to freedom – Miguna Miguna gets a new passport

According to the Cabinet Secretary, there was a group of officers attached to the Judiciary who worked in cahoots with activist lawyers to frustrate efforts that were being made by the Executive under the leadership of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“There is a clique in the Judiciary that has been captured by a group of people in the civil society and a clique of activist lawyers,” said Dr Matiang’i back then.

According to Dr Matiang’i, the government only ensured that Dr Miguna was returned to the port of his departure as he had totally failed to produce his travel documents.

Dr Miguna had jetted into the country in March 2018, but was denied entry into the country and instead flown to Dubai.

Also read: The changing fortunes of Super CS Fred Matiang’i

Dr Matiang’i also said Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai was unable to produce the lawyer activist in court because he was not under his custody since he was not cleared at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Dr Miguna had accused Dr Matiang’i, the IG and Immigration Principal Secretary, retired Major General Gordon Kihalangwa, of being at the centre of his tribulations.

But with the coming to power of President William Ruto, Dr Miguna’s fortunes appear to be changing for the better. On Tuesday he announced that he had received a new passport which was delivered to him on President Ruto’s order.

Also read: Miguna Miguna warns Matiang’i, Kibicho to prepare for legal battles

“President Dr William Ruto has had a new passport delivered to me. Waiting for the lifting of red alerts,” Dr Miguna said in the post.

Dr Miguna, who is a lawyer by profession had tried to jet into the country ahead of President Ruto’s swearing-in but he never managed to do so.

After President Ruto was sworn, the lawyer said that he had a conversation with the Head of State who assured him that he would facilitate his return home.

During the campaign period, President Ruto promised to ensure the Dr Miguna return back to the country once he assumes office.

Also read: Miguna: Ruto hasn’t removed the red alert