Linturi Taken To Nakuru After Grilling In Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10-Meru senator Mithika Linturi was Sunday evening moved from Nairobi to Nakuru where he is expected to take a plea to hate speech-related charges.

This is in regard to his Madoadoa slur that he made during a political rally in Eldoret on Saturday.

Linturi was arrested in Eldoret and driven to Nairobi for statement taking before he was moved to Nakuru where officials said he will take a plea.

Linturi complained of being tired of being driven more than 600 kilometers in the probe.

This was after officials from National Cohesion and Integration Commission grilled him and later allowed police to take him back to Nakuru.

His lawyers have to drive to Nakuru to represent him if and when he is presented in court.

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.