NCIC summon Raila over hate speech

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and presidential hopeful, Raila Odinga. This is in relation to a statement made by the seasoned politician earlier in the week, in which he used the term madoadoa. In a statement, NCIC Chairman Dr Samuel Kobia said that the term is considered hate speech in Kenya. “The Commission wishes to assure Kenyans of its commitment to curbing any form of hate speech, to ensure Kenya remains a stable, prosperous and cohesive nation, and to deliver on our promise,” Dr Kobia said. NCIC wants Raila to explain the context of the word that led to the arrest and charging of Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi, less than a month ago. "In his remarks, he mentioned the term 'Madoadoa'which is considered a hate speech term in Kenya," the statement from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission remarked. "The Commission wishes to assure Kenyans of its commitment to curbing any form of hate speech, to ensure Kenya remains a stable, prosperous and cohesive nation, and to deliver on our promise," it added. Last week, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki was summoned by NCIC over the comments he allegedly made last month, where he is alleged to have threatened former Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Erastus Njoka, who is contesting the Tharaka Nithi gubernatorial seat, daring him not to step in his constituency on his vote-hunting mission. The legislator has since denied uttering alleged inflammatory remarks directed at his opponent. Late last month, Meru Senator Mithika Linturi was set free by a Nakuru court after prosecutors failed to bring charges against him over his ‘madoadoa’ remarks. The court on January 26 gave the police a month to finish their investigations into Mr Linturi’s alleged incitement remarks he made during Deputy President William Ruto's rally on January 8 in Eldoret.