By Peter Ochieng
Outspoken lawyer Joshua Miguna Miguna has leaped to the defense of Kenyans seen and heard heckling some learders during President William Ruto’s rallies in Kericho and Bomet Counties over the weekend.
Miguna said heckling has never been a sign of disrespect to anyone, as being percieved by some leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Heckling is a peaceful expression of disenchantment. It’s not a sign of disrespect, and even it were, it’s squarely within the rights of the hecklers, as long as they are not violent and don’t go beyond heckling,” Miguna posted on X.
“A free and democratic society must never criminalise heckling. Those trying to do so are in love with tyranny and worship fellow human beings and totems, which is what the Office of President is – a totem. Let’s not lose our sense of dignity, humanity and decency in the sea of intolerance,” he added.
One meaning of a totem is a person or thing regarded as being symbolic or representative of a particular quality or concept.
During Ruto’s rallies in Bomet and Kericho, some of the leaders he was accompanied with were heckled by locals.
The Head of State reminded the residents that they are the ones who elected the leaders, urging them to wait until 2027 to vote them out if they are not satisfied with their service delivery.
On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said it was bad manners to misbehave in the presence of the President.
On Monday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki ordered a crackdown on organisers and financiers of the heckling.
He further directed the police to reign in on incidents of disorderly conduct in political meetings, conclude investigations and apprehend organisers, financiers and perpetrators of hooliganism.
“The security team is also tasked to reign in on incidents of disorderly conduct in political meetings, conclude investigations and apprehend the organisers, financiers and perpetrators of hooliganism, regardless of their political or social standing.”
Ruto and Gachagua’s rallies in some parts of Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya, their strongholds have in the recent past been marred by incidences of heckling targeting local leaders such as governors, senators and MPs.