This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
Starehe Member of Parliament Charles Kanyi Njagua, alias Jaguar, has been released on a cash bail of 500,000 shillings pending the hearing of his case on September 4, 2019.
On June 24, 2019, the MP was charged with incitement to violence before Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi at the Nairobi court.
According to the prosecution, the legislator made utterances that intended to incite Kenyans against foreign nationals living within the country.
The court heard that he committed the said offence at Nyamakima in Nairobi County.
On June 26, 2019, the MP was arrested and placed in police custody.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, as well as the Communications Authority of Kenya, are among those set to testify against the legislator.
However, the MP has since claimed his recent sentiments on invasion of the Kenyan market by foreigners had been greatly misinterpreted.
He stated on his Twitter handle, 'My recent sentiments over the invading of our market by foreigners have been greatly misinterpreted. I mean peace for the country and businesses should go on uninterrupted and all foreigners are welcome to our country.'
His remarks were condemned by the Tanzania government, terming them careless.
The Kenya government also condemned the remarks and assured foreigners of their safety and protection of their properties.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Njagua's remarks, saying the unfortunate exploitation of the freedom of free speech to dehumanize foreign communities and incite local constituents undermines the welcoming culture that Kenya is reputed for.
Government spokesperson Col Rtd Cyrus Oguna also denounced Jaguar's comments, saying Kenyans were peace-loving people who had over the years coexisted peacefully with other nationalities.
