NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10- Meru Senator Mithika Linturi spent the night in police custody on Sunday evening, after he was arrested by DCI detectives in Eldoret.
Detectives whisked him to Nairobi and he was booked in at the Gigiri police station.
Police headquarters said, “he was helping with investigations.” His woes started on Saturday during a mega rally in support of Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid.
He is accused of uttering ‘highly inflammatory words’ by authorities, said to have the potential of causing discord among the communities living in Rift Valley.
Linturi has however said his remarks were blown out of context, saying he meant that those not supporting DP Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should not be voted for.
It is the term ‘madoadoa’, said to have been used in 2007-2008 post-election violence to profile minority communities in Rift Valley, that led to a major outcry from a section of politicians and human rights defenders.
Linturi faces charges of ethnic contempt contrary to Section 62(1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
If found guilty, the legislator and a vocal supporter of the Deputy President will be liable for an imprisonment of a term not exceeding five years.
“It is true that words like ‘madoadoa’, whilst otherwise innocent and legitimate expressions, have in certain contexts come to be understood as representing inflammatory intent. This context did not occur to me while I was speaking,” the Senator said in a statement on Saturday.
“I must point out that my use of these words was in specific reference to our Parliamentary colleagues from Uasin Gishu County, who do not support UDA, and whom I urged voters to reject in favour of UDA candidates, given that we are in a political contest, and they are our rivals.”
The Senator added that, “on further reflection, and upon the advice of my colleagues, I regretfully concede that my choice of words was unfortunate. I therefore apologise, unreservedly, for the discomfort they may have created. “
“I also take this opportunity to assure all Kenyans of my commitment, both as a citizen and as a leader, to national unity, peace, and cohesion within and among all communities.”
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji gave police until January 14 to conclude the investigations and hand over the file for his subsequent review.
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