Ruto Uganda Trip Saga: Ugandan Businessman Sues Kenyan MPs for Maligning NRM
A Ugandan businessman has a section of Kenyan MPs at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
Dr. Paul Bamutaze wants a group of ODM MPs sanctioned for undermining the Ugandan ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The petitioner accuses MPs Junet Mohammed, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Caleb Amisi, Jared Okello, Anthony Otieno, Fatuma Abdi, and Millie Odhiambo of making demeaning statements against NRM, which affects the country’s reputation.
Bamutase, a member of NRM, told the regional court that the aforementioned MPs made these statements as they engaged in a discussion about the aborted visit of Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto to Uganda.
In a press briefing at Parliament buildings on Wednesday, the ODM MPs described NRM as a dictatorial party.
The MPs were responding to remarks by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who claimed that Deputy President Ruto was seeking to build a party similar to Museveni’s NRM, hence his frequent visits to Uganda.
"When you go to Uganda, Museveni's party isn't like any other party that individuals can do whatever they like with it. That's a party that we want to build here in Kenya,” Sudi told Nation.
In the application filed before EACJ sub-registry in Kampala, Bamutaze avers that the accusations made by the MPs that Uganda’s record on freedom of the press, human rights, and democracy is not worthy of borrowing affect East Africa integration.
“The above statements are demeaning. Uganda has been at the forefront of East African Integration. Such statements are a clear sign that these legislators are against the integration process.”
He adds that the statements are a direct infringement on the fundamental and operational principles of the East African Community which include good governance and adherence to principles of democracy.
He asked the court to declare that the said statements were illegal and against principles of mutual cooperation and good governance, and for the respondents to pay him costs.