Leaders want Bahati MP charged with hate speech

Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri (centre in cap) leads Jubilee youth in protests in Nakuru on June 11, 2016. Cord leaders and elders from Rift Valley have condemned utterances made by Mr Ngunjiri during the protests. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Among those infuriated by the remarks is the Rift Valley Council of elders.
  • The elders now want the MP arrested and charged for “creating unnecessary tension and animosity in the country.”
  • They condemned the utterances and disassociated themselves with the MP.
  • Nakuru ODM chairman Peter ole Osono termed Mr Ngunjiri’s statements as embarrassing and wanted action taken against him.

Opposition Members of parliament and local leaders have demanded for the immediate arrest of Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri whom they want charged with hate speech.

Led by Ugunja’s Opiyo Wandayi, and Embakasi South MP Irshadali Sumra, the Cord MPs, condemned utterances Mr Ngunjiri made Saturday in Nakuru saying police should swiftly arrest him and charge him in court.

Mr Ngunjiri spoke when he addressed rowdy youths who were attempting to storm a hotel in Nakuru where Cord leader Raila Odinga was holding a meeting with local professionals and party officials.

He was captured in a video asking the youth to ensure members of a certain community leave Nakuru Town and its environs "immediately".

Speaking at a Cord rally in Nakuru, the Cord MPs accused Mr Ngunjiri of inciting Kenyans to violence.

ELDERS CONDEMN UTTERANCES

The remarks have also come under sharp criticism from locals and leaders who termed them as unfortunate and unwarranted.

Among those infuriated by the remarks is the Rift Valley Council of elders.

The elders now want the MP arrested and charged for “creating unnecessary tension and animosity in the country.”

Led by its chairman Mr Gilbert Kabage and secretary Peter Charagu, the elders condemned the utterances and disassociated themselves with the MP.

“How can a whole MP use such words oblivious of what happened in the 2007 post-election violence?” wondered Mr Kabage.

They said they will not allow politicians to divide people, especially those living in the Rift Valley, in terms of tribes.

Nakuru ODM chairman Peter ole Osono termed Mr Ngunjiri’s statements as embarrassing and wanted action taken against him.

“Let this man be arrested, otherwise he is a threat to the peace and unity of the nation,” said Mr Osono.