A handful of opposition die-hards could have their passports suspended by the Jubilee regime as it continues its repression against persons who pushed for Raila Odinga’s self-inauguration on Tuesday.
According to Daily Nation, sources at the Department of Immigration and Registration of Persons in the Interior Ministry have intimated that signed letters will be dispatched to the affected persons from Nyayo House.
Some of the high-profile figures within the opposition whom the source said are likely to be asked to surrender their travel documents are Lawyer James Orengo, Miguna Miguna and billionaire businessman Jimmy Wanjigi.
The source could, however, not reveal if or not the same will affect Raila and his other NASA principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi-all of whom were absent at Uhuru Park during the unofficial ‘swearing-in’.
Director of Immigration Gordon Kihalangwa, has, however, denied knowledge of such a plan.
“I am not aware of such action, thanks,”he said as further quoted by Daily Nation.
The state has since Wednesday arrested three people in connection with the oath. Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang who administered was apprehended on Wednesday and arraigned before court on Thursday where he was released on Sh50, 000 bond.
Miguna was dramatically arrested on Friday morning at his Runda home and has been in custody despite being released by the court on Sh50, 000 bond.
Yesterday, Makadara MP George Aladwa was briefly held at the DCI before he was released on free bond.
The suspension of travel documents for those who took part in the oath ceremony was arrived at on Monday by the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC), chaired by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
Section 31(1h) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 gives states that: “An immigration officer or any other law enforcement officer may suspend or confiscate a passport or other travel document where, subject to the Constitution, any other circumstances which in the opinion of the Director would be prejudicial to the interest of the State or holder of the passport.”
In case of suspension, the Immigration department is required to officially communicate to parties involved who then have 14 days to appeal the decision at the High Court.
If one does not appeal, he/ she is required to surrender the passport within 21 days.