Detectives drawn from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Buruburu have arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks intended to incite ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
The suspect, Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, alias Engineer Kevin, was arrested in connection with remarks he made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi event.
According to a statement, detectives said the remarks were captured on video and subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting investigations by DCI detectives.
According to DCI’s preliminary investigations, the utterances were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya
“Preliminary investigations have established that the utterances were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya and engaged in various economic activities, including employment,” DCI noted.
Detectives are investigating the circumstances and intent behind the remarks as part of inquiries into possible offences relating to hate speech and ethnic incitement.
The suspect is expected to be charged with hate speech contrary to Section 13(1)(a), as read with Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, alongside any other appropriate charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations. He is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Thursday.
The DCI reminded the public that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.
“Kenya is a diverse nation that is home to people from different ethnic communities and nationalities, including foreign nationals who reside and work in the country,” the statement read.
The Agency warned that targeting of individuals or communities on the basis of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence, will not be tolerated.
Further, members of the public have been cautioned against taking the law into their own hands or engaging in acts that could undermine peace and public order.
DCI detectives vowed to continue to monitoring public and online spaces for content and conduct that threaten national cohesion, public safety and peaceful coexistence warning that those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report information relating to hate speech, ethnic incitement or any other criminal activity anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” DCI noted.
