Kenyan political activist Moses Kuria has claimed his Facebook account has been blocked after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) petitioned for his prosecution over a post it said contained hate speech.
HumanIPO reported earlier this week Kuria had been accused of hate speech by the LSK, which said it had written to director of public prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko urging an investigation into 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 had written 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.”
Kuria has now claimed using his Twitter handle that his Facebook account has been blocked, tweeting: “They have shut down my Facebook account. They can do that but they will not shut down my resolve. I will be back!”
The LSK had said Kuria’s comment, and some of those responding to 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.
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