This archive report was first published on 10 January 2022.
January 10, 2022 - Nairobi, Kenya
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has ordered investigations into remarks made by Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyoka against Deputy President William Ruto.
The alleged remarks were made by Onyoka while addressing a gathering in Kisii County over the weekend.
According to Article 33(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, the right of freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred.
Onyoka's remarks may be in contravention of this article, as stated by Haji in a letter to the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and copied to the Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The investigation file is to be submitted to Haji within seven days for action.
This is the second time a legislator has been investigated for making utterances bordering on hate speech, following Meru Senator Mithika Linturi who is currently in police custody.
