Kalonzo Musyoka Hits Out At Ruto Over Arrest Of Journalist Francis Ode On Mashujaa Day, States These

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode. He also faulted the detention of activists who were protesting the recent fuel price hikes in Nairobi.

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday October 20 Kalonzo said the chief abductor and his squad were still at work even on Mashujaa Day. He accused the government of targeting innocent Kenyans.

He described the arrests as unconstitutional and arbitrary. He said he learnt of the incident with great concern.

The former vice president claimed that while the President spent hours addressing Kenyans during the celebrations his regime was busy arresting journalists and activists. He said they were only exercising their constitutional rights.

Kalonzo cited several articles of the Constitution to back his argument. Article 33 guarantees freedom of expression while Article 34 protects freedom of the media. Article 37 gives every Kenyan the right to assemble and demonstrate and picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

He insisted that these are fundamental rights and not privileges granted at the pleasure of those in power.

The opposition leader said it was deeply shameful that such freedoms were under attack on a day set aside to honour the heroes who fought for them. He noted that Kenya is a constitutional democracy and not a police state.

He added that no regime is above the Constitution.

Ode was arrested earlier in the day while covering fuel price protests along Kimathi Street in the Central Business District. The protests followed the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Pump prices rose sharply and sparked anger over the cost of living.

Rights groups and media bodies have also raised concern over the arrest.

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