Deported Kenyan lawyer stranded in Germany despite Uhuru's order to fly back from Canada

Frankfurt, Kenya - Fiery Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna has been blocked from traveling home by German airline Lufthansa following a red alert from Nairobi.

Miguna Miguna, who lives in Ontario, Canada, embarked on the rigorous journey back home on Sunday following a series of court orders in Nairobi.

At Frankfurt airport in Germany, Miguna claimed on Tuesday, Lufthansa airline claimed it had been "warned" against allowing him to get back.

Lufthansa blocks Miguna from boarding

"In fact, the Kenya Government has demanded that Lufthansa must refund my fare," he claimed, adding that "the airline has been barred from ferrying me to Africa".

Photos of Miguna Miguna stranded in the airport made rounds on social media, with government critics terming the decision "faulty".

Kenya National Human Rights Commission's Kamanda Mucheke, who first broke the news, termed the move "ridiculous"

For Miguna to fly, Lufthansa said, "Government of Kenya must send an official communication at Frankfurt office."

The red alert to the Germany airline was issued by the Office of the President in Nairobi. It is not clear when and why it was issued.

Uhuru's order to have Miguna back

At a burial function last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta hinted at allowing Dr. Miguna to fly home after two years in exile.

On Monday, Government spokesman Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna confirmed that Dr. Miguna was free to enter the country following the president's order.

Col. Oguna said, “The head of state made a pronouncement that he is free to come back. That is still the government’s position."

He added, “Had new realities or dynamics emerged after the head of state spoke, they would have been made public."

Director of Immigration Alexander Muteshi said they will facilitate Dr. Miguna’s return, having been informed about it.

“This is to confirm that in compliance with the court orders issued on December 14, 2018, the directorate will facilitate Miguna's entry into Kenya.”

Courts compel the government to allow him back

A court in Nairobi on Monday compelled the government to give "unconditional" access to the controversial Canadian-based lawyer.

Previously, the court had also sanctioned the government to facilitate Dr. Miguna's return, although Nairobi had been non-committal.

But Col. Oguna on Tuesday said the red alert will be handled by the ministry of foreign affairs, adding that "Miguna is free to return to the country".

However, the government spokesperson could not explain the origin of the red alert which could cause chaos in the country.

Miguna's deportation in 2018

Miguna Miguna was violently deported in 2018 March, a month after he had been forced out of the country by the government.

During his second return, the government blamed him for not having "valid travel" documents. His passport had been defaced during the first deportation.

The fiery lawyer served as an advisor to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He is among those who facilitated Mr. Odinga's mock swearing-in as president in 2018.

He first left Kenya in 1987 during the brutal KANU regime under President Daniel Moi. He was given asylum in Canada.

GAROWE ONLINE