According to the High Court of Nairobi, the country’s public holiday declaration process is well-established.
After former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko filed a petition contesting Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga’s recent announcement that Monday is a public holiday, High Court Judge Hedwig Ong’udi spoke while giving instructions on Friday.
The High Court Judge ruled that the case is very important to the public and ordered that it be discussed on Tuesday of the following week.
I have read the petition, notice of motion, and certificate of urgency, all of which are dated March 17, 2023…
In accordance with the Constitution, I have not been able to locate any gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for the Interior designating March 20th, 2023 as a public holiday “read the court’s directions.
Sonko brought the lawsuit after Mr. Odinga designated Monday, March 20, 2023, a public holiday so that Kenyans might take part in organized rallies on Tuesday of this week.
The opposition leader urged Kenyans to take part in the planned nationwide mass movement to pressure the government to reduce living expenses while speaking to his supporters in Siaya County.
He predicted that the protests would be peaceful and advised participants to behave in a civilized way.
“Any form of violence or bloodshed is not what we want. It will be calm, and I have also stated that a handshake is not wanted. The only reason we are doing this is because there is no other option, he stated.
“We announce Monday, March 20, a public holiday in the name of Azimio One Kenya Alliance.
However, since then, the former premier has faced harsh criticism, with religious leaders pleading with him to abandon the proposal and government officials denouncing him for claiming to have authority over the matter when, by law, only the Interior Cabinet Secretary has the authority to declare a public holiday.
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