Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa released on bail
What you need to know:
Nairobi Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo dismissed an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have Mr Aladwa detained till the case is heard and determined.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Leonard Maingi said politicians who have been charged with hate speech have shown no respect for the courts.
Nairobi ODM party chairman George Aladwa has been charged with incitement to violence.
He was released on a bond of Sh 3 million with an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000.
The case will be heard on January 20.
Nairobi Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo dismissed an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to have Mr Aladwa detained till the case is heard and determined.
The prosecution on Friday asked the court to deny the former Nairobi mayor bond on the grounds that there is an increase in hate speech and incitement cases in the country.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Leonard Maingi said politicians who have been charged with hate speech have shown no respect for the courts.
Dr Maingi told the court that even stringent bond terms had not deterred politicians such as Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria from making inflammatory remarks.
He also cited Kiambu Governor William Kabogo's remarks that he had the money to defend himself in court.
The prosecutor said Mr Aladwa uttered words indicating it was desirable to bring death to certain Kenyans and "in calling for the death of Kenyans, he challenged the existence of an open and democratic society".
However, lawyers representing Mr Aladwa said his prosecution was selective and that he is entitled to bail like any other accused person.
