Thursday, September 27, 2012

Waititu ordered to appear in court Thursday



Written By:KBC reporters,    Posted: Wed, Sep 26, 2012
This is not the first time the Embakasi MP is finding himself on the wrong side of the law (file)
Embattled Emabakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu has lost a bid to block his arrest and prosecution over hate speech.
High court Mumbi Ngugi on Wednesday declined the MP anticipatory bail and ordered him to appear before the court Thursday at 9am.
Waititu filed the case through his lawyer Evans Ondieki. In the petition, Ondieki argued that his client had been condemned by a section of leaders unheard and stands to suffer irreparable damage including losing his cabinet post as assistant minister.  
He further told the court that he cannot get a fair trial since the matter has been politicised and that the Director of Public Prosecution, and police are acting in bad faith.
Waititu on Monday asked residents of Kayole to expel members of the the Maasai community after a street boy was killed by two Maasai guards after allegedly stealing a chicken.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)  is now demanding the sacking of the Assistant Minister over hate speech.
On Tuesday, Internal Security Minister Katoo ole Metito and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keriako Tobiko ordered for Waititu's arrest for hate speech and incitement to violence.
On Monday, Waititu allegedly incited his supporters to kick out the Maasai from Kayole estate after guards from the ethnic community clashed with residents.
However addressing the press, the MP dismissed claims that three people were killed soon after he made the remarks.
He apologized to the Maasai community and to the country at large for the alleged remarks.
Meanwhile, Trade minister, Moses Wetangula, wants stern action taken against politicians who propagate hate speech that could ignite chaos in the country ahead of the next general elections.
Wetangula said it is deeply disturbing to see politicians engaging in hate speech even in the presence of police and no action is taken against them.
He urged the police and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to be more vigilant and arrest any politician engaging in the vice.
Speaking to KBC, Wetangula stressed that the law should apply to all, regardless of one's position or status.
At the same time, the minister urged Kenyans to shun politicians who propagate hate speech to promote their selfish interests at the expense of peace and development.

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