A Facebook post by Kenyan activist Moses Kuria about perceived terrorists after the Gikomba explosions has landed him in trouble with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which has accused him of hate speech and written to director of public prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko urging an investigation.
The comments related to two bomb explosions at the Gikomba market area of Nairobi earlier this month, which killed at least 10 people and injured scores.
Kuria wrote on Facebook: “I think its just a matter of time before Kenyans start violence against PERCEIVED terrorists, their sympathisers, their financiers and those issuing travel advisories without sharing intelligence. I am not sure I will not be one of those Kenyans. When you touch Gikomba the nerve centre of our economic enterprise, you really cross the line. Brace yourself. Choices have consequence.”
The LSK took issue with the comment and some of those responding to it, saying it could constitute hate speech.
“The posts incite the public to violence targeted at a specific community and may very well constitute hate speech, which if not curbed may plunge the country into chaos,” the LSK said.
Tobiko has now written to inspector general of police David Kimaiyo directing he start investigations over the allegations against Kuria, who is also the National Alliance (TNA) political strategist.
“I write therefore pursuant to Article 157(4) of the Constitution and direct that you cause speedy and thorough investigation to be conducted into the allegations contained in the aforementioned letter and upon completion of the investigation submit your report and findings to me for perusal and appropriate directions,” the letter said.
The LSK’s reason for wanting Kuria’s prosecution was that he has been allegedly uploading a series of inciteful Facebook posts targeted at one community.
“Section 13 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act makes it illegal to use threatening, abusive or insulting words, acts or materials liable to stir up ethnic hatred. Section 62 of the Act further outlaws speech intended to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination against any person, group or community on the basis of ethnicity or race,” LSK chief executive officer (CEO) Apollo Mboya said.
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