The High Court has temporarily suspended the implementation of security measures on public gatherings issued by the National Security Advisory Committee in October.
Last month, the security committee chaired by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua announced new guidelines for public gatherings, media reporting and social media conduct.
In the guidelines, leaders intending to hold public meetings were required to notify the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of the area three days prior.
The directive elicited mixes reaction with many claiming that it was meant to slow down DP Ruto who was then conducting several empowerment meetings across the country.
Following the announcement of the guidelines, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) moved to court to challenge the advisory arguing that the guidelines are unlawful.
High Court Ruling
Earlier today, the High Court delivered conservatory ruling on the case stopping Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and his officers from implementing the guidelines.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the petition a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the directives issued by the National Security Advisory Committee on the 7th October 2020 and ratified by Cabinet on 8th October 2020…” the court ruling read in part.
Celebrating the ruling, LSK President Nelson Havi said: “Good news Kenyans. The High Court has restrained IG of National Police Service from acting on directions from National Security Advisory Committee or anybody. Directives against public gatherings issued on 7.10.2020 suspended pending hearing and determination of Petition.”
