Editor's Review

The MP is set to be grilled for his alleged hate speech utterances.

Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka has been arrested by DCI detectives in Kisii Town over incitement to violence utterances

The MP is set to be grilled for his utterances.

The Director of Public Prosecution Noordin  Haji on Monday wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai asking him to launch an investigation into the Mp's comments and submit the file within seven days.

{DPP Noordin Haji. Image: Courtesy}

In a letter to IG Mutyambai, DPP said; " Reference is made to a video clip circulating on social media platforms in which Hon Richard Onyoka, MP for Kitutu Chache constituency is addressing a gathering in Kisii County. The alleged remarks captured in the video clip may be contrary to Articles 33(2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which provides inter alia " The right to freedom of expression does not extend to - (a) propaganda for war; (b) incitement to violence; (c) hate speech; or advocacy of hatred" and section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, No.12 of 2008".

DPP directive came after allies of Deputy President William Ruto asked the police to act fairly by investigating Onyonka for his remarks.

This came two days after Meru Senator Mithika Linturi was arrested for using a language that is said to be hate speech.

Linturi, who is still being held by police, was arrested on Sunday at a hotel in Eldoret and taken to Nakuru where he was grilled over his madoadoa remarks.

The senator's arrest elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans who called for action.