The Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji has ordered a probe into Kericho Senator’s , a William Ruto ally, remark while addressing UDA supporters at Eldoret Sports Club on January 8, 2021.
In a statement seen by KIVUMBi.co.ke, the DPP indicated that the video clip of Aaron Cheruiyot’s speech conveyed a message of racial identity of an elected leader which could incite feelings of contempt hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination which is against the constitution.
“You are hereby directed to institute comprehensive investigations by Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 to determine whether any offense (s) has been committed by the said senator and submit the resultant investigation file within seven days of the date hereof,” the DPP said in the letter to Inspector General of Police.
Cheruiyot was among the politicians who accompanied the Deputy President to the rally in Eldoret.
From the Saturday, January 8 Eldoret Safari Club rally, Meru Senator was arrested on Sunday 9 before being arraigned in Court Tuesday 11 and released today on a KSh 2 million cash bail or an alternative bond of 5 million.
The Senator has been asked not to contact the witnesses either directly or indirectly.
On Saturday 8 the Senator was accused of using the term madoadoa which is assumed to have been meant to cause tribal clashes.
Linturi was arrested despite his explanation on Twitter saying he meant UDA supporters should not elect leaders who do not support William Ruto’s presidential bid.
Deputy President William Ruto apologised on behalf of Linturi calling on his UDA members to be mindful of their language while campaigning.
On the other hand, he asked state agencies to be fair while dealing with those who use inciteful words.
“As we approach the August 9, General Election, I want to tell members of my team that all of us must mind our language, all of must be careful about what we say so that we can unite this country because that is what the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) believes in,” William Ruto said.
So far, three politicians are being investigated by the Inspector General of Police over their remarks during rallies held during the weekend.
They include Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament Richard Onyonka, and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has called on all politicians to be keen as they campaign toward the General Election.
