Olekina summoned to appear in court over ethnic contempt charges

A magistrates court has issued a summon against Senator Ledama Olekina to appear in court on June 2 to answer to charges of ethnic contempt.

Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot issued the summons after the prosecution counsel James Gachoka told the court they were unable to arrest the senator owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the charge sheet, Olekina on February 19 during the JKL show on Citizen uttered words that were intended to 'incite feelings of discrimination against non-Maasai communities living in Narok County based on their ethnicity'

The alleged utterances were "...that Maasai issues will be articulated by Maasais not Manje...who can be able to get an audience in Mount Kenya".

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission later condemned the senator's remarks.

"With regards to the statements made on #JKLive, the matter has come to our attention and we strongly condemn such utterances that may hinder cohesion in the country. We urge Kenyans to maintain peace & continue engaging in the BBI process even as we look into the matter," NCIC said.

Officials from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations took him to the Kilimani police station on February 25 before he was released. 

NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia said the senator's comments had threatened the cohesion fabric in Narok county and its environs.

"These invective and diatribe utterances have caused animosity and triggered tension among the different communities living in the county," he said.

The NCIC boss said peace had been destabilised due to "the senator's reckless utterances". 

He reiterated that BBI is not a tool for seeking or demonstrating political supremacy.

According to Kobia, the issues raised ought to be addressed candidly and resolved amicably without dividing and inciting Kenyans.

He warned that any leader, regardless of their political affiliation or status, will be held accountable for their actions and utterances.

Kobia said while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it does not extend to incitement to violence, hate speech or advocacy of hatred.

"The commission continues to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure calmness and peaceful, cohesive society," he said.