Human rights activist Okiya Omtatah wants interior CS Fred Matiang’i and 21 others over the ongoing destruction and burning of betting machines.
According to Omtata, the actions by the Matiangi, PS Karanja Kibicho and the Country commissioners are in defiance for court orders and violates the constitution.
“The ongoing crackdown is discriminatory and unconstitutional and therefore null and void,” the petition reads.
Omtatah argues that destroying and burning of the gambling machines are discriminating against local investors. It only favors multinational gaming companies.
“Article 40 of the Constitution is violated to the extent that the respondents are confiscating and destroying private property which is protected by the law,’says Omtatah.
The popular activist. claims that the orders from High Court meant to stop the confiscation of the machines have served to the respondents, however, Matiang'i and the others have continuously and intentionally went ahead with the process.
“Besides the discrimination against local grassroots investors, the petitioner is apprehensive that the actions of the respondents in defiance of Court Orders will expose the taxpayer to claims of damages,” the petition reads.
Matiang’i has directed all county commissioners, their deputies and chiefs to ensure the crackdown is successful.
Early this week the no-nonsense CS oversaw the burning of the betting machines that had been confiscated at Dagoretti South constituency in Nairobi.