Police are under firm instruction to arrest anyone inciting Kenyans on the spot.
On Saturday, Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) boss Ndegwa Muhoro ordered police to make on-spot arrests on anyone inciting the public or spreading hate.
The DCI boss noted that previously, cases on incitement have failed to sail through and the vice has continued but he is ready to grab the bull by the horn.
Muhoro said having been provided with recording gadgets and undergoing training, his officers have the capacity to perceive incitement and will make arrest on the spot regardless one’s social status.
“We have trained officers to arrest on the spot politicians and supporters found uttering hate speech during campaigns. The officers have already been provided with recording gadgets that will be availed in court with the evidence.”
“The law is clear that anybody, regardless of his or her status, will not go Scot-free if found inciting the electorate during campaigns,” he said as reported by the Star.
He was speaking in Kericho town yesterday when he opened a new county criminal investigation office.
Several incitement cases have ended up being thrown out by the court due to lack of evidence and at times. Witnesses are adamant testify.
But the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) led by Francis Ole Kaparo and previously viewed as “toothless” procured he gadgets which will provide irrefutable evidence in court.
They have video and audio recording capacity. Each county out of the 47 counties have at least two of the devices.
In June the DPP Keriako Tobiko said his office will fight incitement tooth and nail.
“It does not matter who commits the offence and which party they belong to. The law is blind and must be enforced without selective discrimination,” he said.