Senator Linturi set to be charged over hate speech remarks
Meru Senator Mithika Linturi is expected to be arraigned in a Nakuru court today over hate speech remarks he made on Saturday during United Democratic Alliance rally in Eldoret.
Linturi was arrested yesterday by detectives attached to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission following a directive by the Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) Nordin Haji.
On Saturday evening, Haji ordered Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to initiate and investigation into Linturi’s remarks.
“Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, I hereby direct that you immediately institute comprehensive investigations into the said allegation and submit the resultant investigations file on or before 14th January, 2022,” Haji said.
Linturi was heard asking locals to eject ‘madoadoa’ who do not support Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid.
“We want to be in the coming government but I want to tell you, people of Uasin Gishu, not to play with Kenya and I am asking you to remove the spots you have here. We cannot stand with William Ruto from Mt Kenya yet you have people here who don’t listen and cannot team up with him,” he said.
“Sisi tunataka kuwa kwa serikali inayokuja lakini nawaambia watu wa Uasin Gishu msicheze na Kenya na kile nawaomba ni kwamba madoadoa yale mliyonayo hapa muweze kuondoa. Hatuwezi kuwa tukisimama na William Ruto kule Mt Kenya na mko na wengine hapa hawasikii na hawawezi ungana naye…”.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga condemned Linturi’s utterances and those by his colleagues in the Ruto-led UDA party.
Raila said reckless and incendiary remarks will not be tolerated.
Linturi later apologized defending himself publicly and seeking to clarify what he meant in the statement he made at the rally.
“On further reflection and upon the advice of my colleagues, I regretfully concede that my choice of words was unfortunate. I therefore, apologise unreservedly, for the discomfort they may have created,” he said.
