Can Ruto arrest Raila and Uhuru, what are the consequences- Experts explain.
Today, A section of Kenya kwanza members of parliament, called for arrest of Raila Odinga and the former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Majority leader, Kimani Ichungwah, stated that Raila Odinga should be arrested for championing for protests that led destruction of property, Injury of police men, a death of a student.
On the other hand, they accused the former president Uhuru Kenyatta, for sponsoring all these protests.
The question remains, Can Ruto arrest Raila; experts have explained that Ruto has no authority whatsoever to arrest or sanction such arrests.
The experts highlighted that it would portray a bad image for Kenya if a former president, is arrested on such grounds.
They stated,”Ruto has no power to arrest anybody. However, the National Police Service(NPS) and other mandated agencies can make the arrest because the former president is no longer protected by the immunity.”
“It would be ridiculous to try and prosecute the former president on such grounds. That is to divert Kenyans from addressing the important issues in the country like the cost of living which is a genuine issue. If they genuinely want this country burnt to the ground, they should attempt to arrest Raila,” they added.
They further highlighted that if any arrests are to be made, then the national police service, should make their own independent decision, without being influenced by the president.
They stated,”The NPS should make their own independent decision. They should not be given instructions to arrest anyone. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can then further look into the matter.”
“Ruto’s influence over the Inspector General to a point of mandating any arrest is not constitutional, however, it is a very Kenyan way of doing things,”they added.
They also spoke on the issue where Raila threatened to report president William Ruto to the hague.
They stated,”Even the ICC can itself look into the matter if they note that there is a breach of human rights. Raila and anyone else has a right to report such to the ICC.”
“Ruto must look into the aftermath of this reality because things will only get worse. When arrested, where will they be taken in terms of a police station,” they added.