Nairobi, Kenya, Mar 1- Lawyer Danstan Omari now says formers Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has not fled the country but has left to attend to a family matter.
While rubbishing the claims that his client had snuck out of the country, Omari assured the public that Matiangi would return to the country.
Omari said that Matiangi travelled on February 19 2023 via KLM (Passenger) Flight KL 566 on a regular private visit to the United Kingdom.
“Those familiar with his travel schedules over time will confirm that he travels regularly to that part of the world via KLM and — as was in this case — very openly, through open public means,” he said.
“There is nothing sinister about his travel. He is there to attend to an urgent private family matter and shall return to resume his ordinary routine as a private citizen,” he stated.
Lawyer Omari went on to say that his client is not aware of any investigations on him but constitutional offices are at liberty to discharge their mandate.
He added that Matiangi also has a right to due process as a Kenyan citizen.
Omari pointed out that it was unfair to cast aspersions on Matiangi’s movement noting that he informed authorities of his travel beforehand.
“Owing to his immediate role in the security sector and his status, I have instructions that my client informally notified senior security sector and diplomatic officials about his two (2) week trip to the UK,’ he said.
Omari’s statement comes a day after the Immigration Department furnished the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with the travel history of his client after he failed to appear for questioning over misinformation.
In a letter addressed to the DCI, the State Department for Citizen Services revealed that Matiangi left the country 10 days after the alleged raid by security agents at his Karen home.
“The subject departed on February 19, 2023, through JKIA on KLM flight number KL566,” a letter written by Immigration Director General Emmanuel Simiyu, reads in part.
The letter is dated February 28, 2023.
The revelation came four days after Matiangi defied orders to present himself to the DCI terming summons issued against him as defective.
Matiangi was required to appear at DCI headquarters on Friday, February 24, for questioning over false information he spread alleging a police raid at his Karen home.
His lawyers however said the summons were unsigned hence his decision to defy the orders.
They also said Matiangi has valid court orders shielding him from arrest by the police.
Lawyer Danstan Omari said last Friday the agency should follow the due process.
