NCIC probing Uhuru, Ruto for hate speech in prayer rallies

National Cohesion and Integration Commission is investigating utterances by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and legislators allied to G7 alliance in recent prayer rallies.

Investigators attached to the Commission have attended all prayer rallies and believe the remarks by Mr Kenyatta, Mr Ruto and their allies meets the threshold of hate speech.

Commissioner Lawrence Bomet said the investigators had concluded that several hate speech remarks were made in the rallies.

“Our investigators have attended rallies in Ruiru, Eldoret, Machakos and Mombasa and once we complete our investigation and the report tabled before the full commission we will ask for their prosecution,” said Reverend Bomet.

Speaking in Eldoret town on Friday, Reverend Bomet also hit at out at the Attorney General's office and the Judiciary for being an impediment in the war against hate speech.

“We have seen leaders under investigations of hate speech turn to court for protection. The Director of Prosecution is also delaying in executing the prosecution therefore making our work hard,” said the Commissioner.

He called for speedy reforms in the Judiciary so that those involved in hate speech are fully punished.

The NCIC, he said, is frustrated by the Director of Prosecution who sits on the Commission's recommendations against hate speech perpetrators.

He cited an incitement charge against Trade minister Chirau Mwakere as example of their frustration with the DPP office.

Reverend Bomet further announced that the Commission had started to train police officers across the country so that they understand how to deal with hate speech.

“There seems to be a thin line between hate speech and freedom of expression and this has made our work very hard,” said the Commissioner.

He asked the government to shelve its plan to prosecute 5,000 suspects of post-election violence and focus instead on reconciliation.