Meru senator Mithika Linturi was on Sunday morning arrested by the hawk eyed criminal detectives following his hateful remarks at William Ruto’s Eldoret rally.
According to a local publication, Mithika Lntui is in police custody awaiting to be charged by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
This arrest comes in the wake of a directive by the directorate of public prosecutions boss Mr. Noordin Haji who wrote to the Inspector General police Mr. Hillary Mutyambai to arrest, investigate and share the findings with his office.
Mithika Linturi’s video went viral on Saturday where he advanced hate speech at a United democratic alliance held at the Eldoret Sports Club.
These sentiments drew sharp criticisms from Kenyans and key political leaders in the country, arguing that such remarks were a recipe for violence towards the 2022 general elections.
For instance, gatundu South member of parliament Moses Kuria asked the deputy president to discourage his allies from making such hateful and careless sentiments
“I’m a close friend of the Deputy President. However, I am far. If you are in Eldoret and near here tell him to rebuke his allies. It doesn’t matter whether these remarks were said by Linturi or Oscar Sudi (Kapseret MP),” wrote Moses Kuria.
Other Kenyans had the following to say about the senator’s remarks:
“You’re a careless loose cannon.You belong to the past not future!!.You caused an irreparable loss to your party leader.”
“You meant to vote full suit (UDA from president to MCA) right? Everybody has his/her own understanding… However, you can cheat the world but you can’t cheat yourself and the Almighty above so if your conscious is clear do not mind but if not may calamity befall you.”
“Why Eldoret of all the places? Why you of all the people? Why UDA of all the parties? Our Luo, Luhya, Kisii and Kikuyu brothers have no peace at the moment because of your reckless utterances. We only hope and pray that you didn’t mean what we think.”
“We heard you loud and clear that anybody against uda should not be tolerated in the rift, so sad that those you want to start fighting are not your family members bt neighbours who have been living in harmony, Linturi why?”
“Why use it specifically in Eldoret where you know it has double edged meaning, even if you want to potray you did it innocently your words will lead to blood shed by mischievous people who were waiting for such reckless words.”
“Thank you mheshimiwa for telling the madodoa (other tribes) in Eldoret point blank what you plan with them…Atleast they have an opportunity to run for their dear lives earlier before that time comes.”
On his side, Mithika Linturi who later apologised to the nation defended himself that the words were taken out of context. This is the statement that Mithika Linturi wrote after his divisive remarks.
“Today, while addressing the UDA rally at Eldoret, I expressed myself using words which in certain context, have acquired sinister political overtones and come to be associated with incitement and hate speech.
At that moment, I was vigorously urging our supporters to offer full support to UDA candidates in this year’s election, and was oblivious of the possibility that my choice of words might assume negative meaning.
It is true that words like ‘madoadoa’, whilst otherwise innocent and legitimate expressions, have in certain contexts come to be understood as representing inflammatory intent. This context did not occur to me while I was speaking.
I must point out that my use of these words was in specific reference to our Parliamentary colleagues from Uasin Gishu County, who do not support UDA, and whom I urged voters to reject in favour of UDA candidates, given that we are in a political contest, and they are our rivals.
On further reflection, and upon the advise of my colleagues, I regretfully concede that my choice of words was unfortunate. I therefore apologise, unreservedly, for the discomfort they may have created.
I also take this opportunity to assure all Kenyans of my commitment, both as a citizen and as a leader, to national unity, peace, and cohesion within and among all communities.
Hon. Mithika Linturi.
Senator, Meru County.”
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