DPP wants Muthama, Ngunyi charged with hate speech

The DPP has directed that political commentator Mutahi Ngunyi (left) and Machakos Senator Johnsone Muthama face charges. PHOTO | FILE 

By RAWLINGS OTINI, rotini@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• “On perusal of the above mentioned file, the DPP is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to charge the above named person with the offence of ethnic contempt…….., the DPP therefore has directed that he be charged accordingly,” he said in a statement to the press.
• Mr Tobiko also directed that Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly be charged with rioting and malicious destruction of property at Eldoret University.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has directed that Machakos Senator Johnsone Muthama and political commentator Mutahi Ngunyi face charges of incitement to violence and ethnic contempt respectively.

Mr Muthama’s charge is in relation to comments that he made at a Cord coalition rally in Nairobi on September 23, while Mr Ngunyi’s charge relates to messages he allegedly posted on his twitter account.

Mr Ngunyi is alleged to have posted controversial messages on his twitter account directed against Cord leader Raila Odinga and the Luo community.

READ: Ngunyi rushes where others fear to tread

“On perusal of the above mentioned file, the DPP is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to charge the above named person with the offence of ethnic contempt…….., the DPP therefore has directed that he be charged accordingly,” said Mr Tobiko in a statement.

The DPP in the same statement also said directed that Senator Muthama and Japheth Muriira Muroko be charged with incitement to violence in relation to statements and utterances they allegedly made during the Uhuru Park rally late last month.

Mr Tobiko also directed that Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly be charged with rioting and malicious destruction of property at Eldoret University.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria’s file on hate speech and incitement to violence was however sent back for further investigations with recommendations that it should be returned within 14  days.