Detectives working with Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Buruburu have arrested a 32-year-old man for making alleged statements that incited hatred, discrimination, and violence against Burundian persons living and working in the country.
The suspect, Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, alias Engineer Kevin, was arrested following remarks he made at a Bunge La Mwananchi function at Jacaranda grounds, Kayole.
Following the circulation of the speech on social media, which raised public concerns about possible ethnic tensions and conflicts among Kenya’s various communities, DCI detectives launched inquiries.
Initial investigations reveal that the statements aimed at Burundian nationals resident in Kenya and involved in such economic activities as job seeking
Possible charges against the suspect include violation of Section 13(1)(a) read together with Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, i. e. Incitement to hatred and other charges to be revealed after investigations.
The suspect will be arraigned in court tomorrow
The DCI has reminded Kenyans that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not cover hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.
The agency warned against individual or community based on nationality or ethnicity, stressing the need to protect national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
