Henry Macharia Wairia has sued the government for failing to issue him with his wife's death certificate.
Macharia's wife, Julia Mwashi Ingasiana, was among those who perished in the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March this year.
Macharia wrote to the Foreign Affairs Ministry back in May requesting for his wife's death certificate in vain. He noted that he urgently needs the death certificate and that's why he had to seek help from the court in getting it.
Through his lawyer Irungu Kangata, Macharia noted that he requires the death certificate to process another application so that he can be compensated for his wife's death.
“One of the critical documents needed to effectively prosecute his claim is the death certificate which they have refused to give him,” his lawyer said.
According to lawyer Kangata, the court has powers to direct the ministry to process the death certificate in a period of one week.
“In failing to avail the death certificate to the petitioner, the State has arbitrarily denied him his right to access to information which is required for the exercise or protection of his rights and fundamentals freedoms guaranteed in law,” read a section of the court papers.
Macharia also sued Boeing Company and wants compensation following his wife's death.
Macharia has attached his marriage certificate in the suit to show that he was legally married to his deceased wife.