Iteere issues arrest warning to politicians

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has ordered the arrest of politicians who engage in hate speech or incite violence in their campaigns.

He directed his officers deployed at public rallies to be on the lookout for “hate speeches, incitement and political hooliganism".

“I want to sound a warning to politicians because this time, we shall not allow you to go scot free. We shall deal with you firmly and decisively,” said a tough-talking police boss Friday during the Annual General Meeting for the police staff sacco in Nairobi.

Mr Iteere added that he would not allow the ugly scenes of 2007/2008 to recur the under his watch.

More than 1,000 people were killed and 650,000 others displaced in violence that erupted in parts of the country over disputed presidential poll results.

At least three politicians are on the police radar after investigations linked them to the latest politically instigated incidents in which 10 people were killed in Muhoroni and Rongo.

“Kenyans said never again after 2008. Police will be on the lookout for anyone that may threaten security by inciting communities against each other,” said Mr Iteere.

Cooperative Development minister Joseph Nyaga, who attended the function, warned if the present political environment is not checked, chaos may recur.

He told the police: “Please do your job so that Kenya does not go through what happened in 2008. Arrest us if anyone among us breaks the law.”

Mr Iteere further appealed for more resources to ensure that officers deliver with efficiency.

He noted that the force is still weighed down because it lacks sufficient vehicles to respond to emergencies and that there are no houses to accommodate all the officers.

“It might take up to between 15 and 20 years to provide good houses with the current pace. I urge the government to rethink its funding to the police for that purpose,” said Mr Iteere.

Last week, participants at conference held in Nairobi on ethnicity  expressed fear for Kenya over the upcoming general election, citing tribalism taking centre stage in a bid to lock out  opponents.

Speaking at the forum, Prime minister Raila Odinga said country’s leadership has embraced a culture of using politics to stir up ethnic emotions and urged leaders seeking high office to compete on the basis of ideals.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who also spoke, described some of the leaders as “vernacular politicians” and promised that the Judiciary would help the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to deliver its mandate.

The body was created to among others deal with those who engage in hate speech and promote unity among the diverse groups in Kenya.

Speaking separately in Nakuru days earlier, NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia urged caution and toning down of ethnic stereotyping.

He noted that at a time when current events might trigger a repeat of violence, political leaders were busy fanning ethnic animosity.

Dr Kibunjia stated that there was little proof that the country was cohesive or that communities had fully reconciled after the 2007/08 post-election atrocities.