This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, police surrounded the home of Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei in Uasin Gishu County after the DCI issued a summons over incitement remarks he made over the weekend.
The Senator was arrested for alleged hate speech remarks, which were evident in a viral video doing rounds online. In the video, he called for the profiling of people who were talking ill of the Deputy President.
“Muendelee kutusi DP lakini mjue we are marking you and we are profiling you, ikifika wakati, tutawashughulikia,” loosely translating to, “Keep on insulting the deputy president but just know that as part of his loyal supporters, we are marking and profiling all his detractors and at the opportune time, we will deal with all of you.”
He also stated, “Wale watu wanaendelea kupiga vita naibu wa rais, we are profiling you. If you fight the DP you are fighting us, usifikiri deputy hana watu wake, sisi watu wake tuko hapa,” loosely translating to, “those of you who keep slating DP Ruto just know that we are putting down each of your profiles. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the DP doesn’t have his own footsoldiers, we are right here.”
Cheragei was expected to present himself for questioning over the alleged hate speech remarks.
The viral video sparked a public outcry, with many Kenyans calling for the immediate arrest of the senator over what they termed to be incitement.
