DPP approves prosecution of MPs on hate speech claims

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Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Jamleck Kamau addresses a crowd at Kamukabi shopping centre in his Kigumo constituency. Photo/SAMUEL KARANJA  

By NATION REPORTER
Posted  Sunday, August 12  2012 at  14:19

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko has approved the prosecution of Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Jamleck Kamau and Limuru MP Peter Mwathi on hate speech as recommended by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

The DPP has however rejected charges against Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi due to insufficient evidence.

In April, Mr Tobiko warned politicians against incitement and hate speech during rallies, saying his office will prosecute individuals stoking animosity.

“I would like to send a strong signal that the full force of the law will be applied against any groups or individuals who are bent on causing hatred and disharmony in the country,” said Mr Tobiko during a stakeholders validation workshop for the ODPP strategic plan 2011-2015 in April.

“As part of the law enforcement agencies, the ODPP shall discharge its mandate to ensure that the next General Election is free and fair, and that those who attempt to benefit by inciting the public are dealt with swiftly and firmly in accordance with the law,” he warned.

In February, MP Mwathi is alleged to have said that members from Uhuru Kenyatta's community that failed to support his presidential bid will be shunned.

However, Mwathi issued a press statement on February 24, stating that he only said that all leaders in Central Kenya should agree to support Uhuru Kenyatta as he was ahead of the rest in popularity and that the other leaders.

“I referred by name to Hon. Peter Kenneth and Hon. Martha Karua,” said Mwathi who added that at no time did he make “At no time did I refer to the health status of any leader let alone Hon. Karume and Hon. Kamotho.”