This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a key ally of Deputy President William Ruto, faced a court hearing on December 3, 2019, where he was charged with ethnic contempt and incitement to violence.
According to the prosecution, on August 17, 2019, at Kilibwoni primary school in Nandi County, Cherargei allegedly uttered words aimed at stirring ethnic hatred by the Kalenjin community against other communities.
The prosecution claimed that the words were calculated to incite violence against communities perceived to be opposing Deputy President William Ruto in a violent and unlawful manner.
Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi granted Cherargei's request to deposit a cash bail of Sh300,000 instead of spending the night in custody, on condition that he provides two contact persons by Tuesday evening.
“I have considered that the accused person has been charged at a time when most banks have been closed. He should therefore deposit his cash bail by tomorrow noon,” Andayi said.
The prosecution did not oppose Cherargei's release but asked for a gag order, stopping him from speaking about the matter.
The case will be mentioned on December 17, 2019.
