Sang used ‘coded words to incite hate’
What you need to know:
- A vehicle belonging to nominated Senator Beth Mugo, and those belonging to Citi Hoppa and Kenya Bus companies were also used to distribute rigging materials, Mr Odinga is reported to have said.
- Mr Kigen argued that the saying alluded to existed even before Mr Sang joined Kass FM and was widely used even by politicians to evoke pride and patriotism among the Kalenjin.
Journalist Joshua Sang twisted the meaning of popular Kalenjin sayings to spread hate against other communities living in Rift Valley through his radio programme, ICC judges heard Wednesday.
On cross-examination by Mr Sang’s lawyer Kitwa Kigen, witness P-0800 said the journalist would, on his Kass FM show, use Kalenjin words, translating into “this country is ours” to stoke hatred and enmity between Kikuyus and the Kalenjins.
Mr Kigen argued that the saying alluded to existed even before Mr Sang joined Kass FM and was widely used even by politicians to evoke pride and patriotism among the Kalenjin.
However, the witness insisted it was used with a hidden message. This made non-Kalenjins in the Rift Valley feel unwanted.
The 26th witness said the phrase, “vote for a three piece suit”, was used to urge locals to vote only for aspirants from ODM against rival Party of National Unity candidates ahead of the contested 2007 elections.
“Candidates who did not necessary have good policies were elected on account of being members of the ODM, thanks to that slogan,” he said.
This came as Deputy President William Ruto headed to The Hague Wednesday. Presiding judge Chile Eboe-Osuji accepted an application by victims’ lawyer Mr Orchlon Narantesetsey to have the DP present in court when the 27th witness joins the witness box today. The witness a victim of the post-election violence.
Mr Kigen said reports of plans to rig the elections were first made by Cord leader Raila Odinga. This caused tension in the country after Mr Odinga alleging some AP officers were being prepared for the exercise in Embakasi, and that senior security officials including former Internal Security PS Mr Cyrus Gituai were involved.
RIGGING MATERIALS
A vehicle belonging to nominated Senator Beth Mugo, and those belonging to Citi Hoppa and Kenya Bus companies were also used to distribute rigging materials, Mr Odinga is reported to have said.
Following the statement carried by the media, Mr Sang reportedly gave out number plates of vehicles, which he said had left Nairobi to distribute materials for use in rigging the polls across the country.
The witness said Mr Sang, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity alongside Mr Ruto played the Kalenjin song “kimi peek kwenet” meaning we are in the middle of the sea, to incite his community against Kikuyus who were PNU supporters.
The witness said Mr Sang twisted the meaning of the song to mean the Kalenjin would remain in the middle of the sea, until they had taken power.
“Mr Sang used words with hidden messages meant only for the Kalenjins and at the same time used clear language where he called for the unity of the community and the country at large,” the witness said.
