This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Published on January 8, 2020
Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna has been at the center of a controversy surrounding his attempts to return to the country. The government has now distanced itself from the issue, claiming that Miguna is a victim of his own unruly behavior.
According to the government, Miguna was categorised as an unruly passenger by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2018, following an incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The government claims that this categorisation has led to airlines refusing to fly Miguna to Kenya.
However, Miguna has dismissed the government's claims, stating that he has used over 10 airlines in the past two years without any issues. He also claims that no airline has ever restricted his flights due to the alleged 'categorisation.'
Despite the government's claims, Miguna remains determined to return to Kenya. He has been anchored on orders from the High Court, which have suspended the cancellation of his passport and ordered the Immigration Department to facilitate his return from Canada.
Justice Chacha Mwita had ruled that Miguna's rights were violated by his deportation and suspended Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's declaration that the lawyer is a prohibited immigrant. The judge also awarded Miguna Sh7 million as compensation for the violation of his rights during his deportation.
