Senator Mithika Linturi was arrested on Sunday, January 9 by the detectives a day after his “Madoadoa” utterance at William Ruto mega rally in Eldoret.
Linturi was arrested by DCI detectives at a hotel, within Eldoret, over the alleged incitement remarks he made at the rally.
“Hope this is not a hit squad which we are used to. Let the public know that am in police hands headed to Nakuru police headquarters” Linturi said to the press while being arrested.
National Police Service through its Twitter handle confirmed the arrest, saying Linturi is in police custody helping with the investigation.
Uasin Gishu county commander Ayub Gitonga revealed that the senator will be escorted to Nakuru where he will be interrogated.
By the time of publishing this article, the senator was being transferred to DCI Nairobi from Nakuru.
Mathira constituency MP, Rigathi Gachagua termed Linturi’s arrest as a continuation of the use of the criminal justice system to harass and persecute allies of Deputy President William Ruto.
Through his Facebook page, Gachagua wondered why the analogy used by Linturi has never been termed inciteful when used by leaders associated with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“Luckily for us, this persecution and intimidation of our team members will come to an end in exactly seven months from today,” said Gachagua.
Yesterday evening the Director of Public Prosecution had directed the Inspector general of police, Hillary Mutyambai to open investigations into the senator’s remarks.
The DPP observed that, Linturi’s remarks could incite contempt, hostility, violence especially being an electioneering year.
“Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, I hereby direct that you immediately institute comprehensive investigations into the said allegation and submit the resultant investigations file on or before 14th January, 2022,” Haji said
Before his arrest, the senator last evening had come out to defend his remarks saying they were being taken out of context.
“Today, while addressing the UDA rally at Eldoret, I expressed myself using words which in a certain context, have acquired sinister political overtones and come to be associated with incitement and hate speech,” said Linturi.
He pointed out that his remarks were directed at urging voters to elect leaders only on United Democratic Alliance party.
The senator regretted his choice of words and apologized for the discomfort the utterances may have created.
