Kenyan opposition figure Miguna Miguna returns from exile

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenyan activist and lawyer Miguna Miguna returned to his East African country on Thursday after remaining in exile for over four years.

The opposition figure was deported by the government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta after hotly contested elections in which Miguna supported the Kenyatta's opponents.

Upon his arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Miguna thanked Kenyans for their support while he was in exile since February 2018.

"I am very grateful for the warm welcome you have given me and I'm extremely happy to be back home," Miguna said.

He added: "I extend my gratitude to all Kenyans who have stood with me, who stood with the bill of rights in the Constitution, the cost of justice, the dictates of democracy, and rule of law. I would like to extend my gratitude to the judiciary, who stood firm on the side of the rule of law."

After landing, Miguna attended celebrations to mark Mashujaa (heroes) Day, which honors those who fought for Kenya's independence, at President William Ruto's invitation, whom he also thanked at the airport saying: "Without this administration, I would not be back home."

Hundreds of young people across Nairobi clashed with police Feb. 2, 2018, demanding the release of Miguna, who was arrested earlier that day for taking part in the mock inauguration of opposition leader Raila Odinga as president.

Hours after Miguna was taken to an unknown location for interrogation, they took to the streets, blocking roads with burning tires and boulders.

Authorities said Miguna was arrested for membership of the opposition National Resistance Movement (NRM) of which he had earlier proclaimed himself a "general" and the government declared an organized criminal group.

A Kenyan court ruled that the country's police had disobeyed court orders by holding Miguna. Kenya's High Court Justice Dennis Wakiaga ordered for his immediate release on a cash bail of $500.

A day later in February 2018, Miguna was deported to Canada.