Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai has issued a stern warning to individuals from across the country insulting President William Ruto while in his constituency.
Mbai said that while freedom of speech is guaranteed, it does not include speaking ill of the President while in his constituency.
Mbai was speaking during a burial ceremony in Kitui on Tuesday.
He said those looking for votes from the constituency are free to do so, but can pass their message without using insulting words.
"We will not allow anybody to insult President William Ruto while in Kitui East. Someone can talk without insults. Those asking for votes in the contest with President Ruto should ask for votes, but if you insult Ruto, just know it should not be in Kitui East," Mbai said.
"So those who are coming with insults, we will not agree with you. We are saying that those people who want to insult President Ruto while in Kitui East, we cannot allow you. You have the freedom of speech, but we are not going to assure you of your freedom after speech," he added.
His sentiments come after more than 1,000 residents of Mavoko held protests in Athi River on Monday, expressing displeasure over remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which they perceived as interference in Machakos County politics.
Freedom of expression, which includes freedom of speech, is enshrined in Article 33 of the Kenya Constitution.
This right guarantees
every person the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas;
artistic creativity; and academic and scientific research. However, this right
is not absolute and has limitations.
Article 33(1) also
outlines the core of freedom of expression,
encompassing various aspects of speech and information.
The right to freedom of
expression does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate
speech, or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification,
or incitement to cause harm.
The constitution in
article 33(3) emphasises the need to respect the rights and reputation of
others when exercising the right to freedom of expression.
