- On Monday, the DPP directed Mutyambai to launch a probe on Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka over incitement claims
- Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, who is also being accused of incitement, was released on a cash bail of Sh2 million or Sh5 million bond with a surety of similar amount
Image: FILE
DPP Noordin Haji has stepped up the fight against warmongers to ensure peace and stability across the country before, during and after polls.
Haji on Tuesday warned he will not spare anyone caught committing a crime in the name of politics.
He said the law will apply fairly to everyone.
“The law is clear and we will apply it well to those breaking the law,” he said as he warned all concerned parties not to engage in hate mongering.
The DPP told off those seeking to challenge his drive saying the law is clear. “Break the law at your peril,” he said.
The latest victim under probe is Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot. Haji ordered that he (Cheruiyot) be investigated for allegedly uttering inciteful remarks.
DPP Haji, in a letter on Tuesday, directed Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai to launch investigations against Cheruiyot.
The probe is over a video in which the senator is captured addressing a rally at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu on Saturday.
“The alleged remarks captured in the video clip make reference to the racial identity of an elected leader. The utterances could incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination.
“... and may be contrary to Article 33( 2 ) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and sections 13 and 62( 1 ) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008,” Haji said in the letter.
He further instructed police to submit findings within seven days.
“In this regard, you are hereby directed to institute comprehensive investigations… to determine whether any offence (s) have been committed by the said senator and submit the resultant investigation file within seven days of the date hereof,” the DPP stated.
In a separate letter to the IG, the DPP also ordered investigations into remarks by politician Abubakar Amana from Lamu in December 21, last year at a press conference.
“The alleged remarks captured in the video clip refer to certain parts of Kenya belonging to certain tribes and tribal background being a pre-condition for seeking an elective position in these areas,” Haji said.
The remarks, he said, were contrary to Article 33( 2 ) of the Constitution and sections 13 and 62( 1 ) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008.
On Monday, the DPP directed Mutyambai to launch a probe on Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka over incitement claims. Onyonka presented himself before Kisii DCI for grilling.
The order followed Saturday’s directive which called for an investigation against Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, who is also being accused of incitement.
Linturi has since been arraigned and released on a cash bail of Sh2 million or Sh5 million bond with a surety of similar amount.
Even though conviction rate on hate mongers has been low officials said they will continue to apply the law. Most of the hate speech related cases drag in courts before they are thrown out.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)