A section of residents and leaders from Kiambu County have hit out at Meru Senator Mithika Linturi over his inflammatory remarks noting that he should face the full force of the law.
The critics said that Linturi's utterances which he referred to those opposing UDA as "madoadoa" amounted to outright incitement and political recklessness.
Linturi made the remarks during Deputy President William Ruto's rally at Eldoret's Sports Club on Saturday.
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Speaking at a meeting convened by Thika Town MP hopeful David Ngari Gakuyo in Kabati, the leaders said that Linturi's remarks were unfortunate especially now that the country is moving towards the general elections.
“Kenyans have a right to live and conduct political activities in any part of the country without fear or intimidation from anybody. We cannot be taken back to the 2007/2008 crisis that not only led to the loss of lives but also the destruction of property and economic downturn,” Gakuyo said.
Gakuyo noted Kenyans should uphold and tolerate each other before, during and after the electioneering period. He, therefore, urged the criminal justice system to appropriately punish Linturi so that he can serve as an example to others.
He said that Linturi's statement is likely to trigger unnecessary tension and regrettable violence in cosmopolitan areas such as Thika and other towns in the country.
Gakuyo's sentiments were echoed by gospel star Loise Kim, Kiambu county woman representative seat aspirant, who urged leaders across the country to be mindful of the country’s economic well-being by preaching peace.
Kim observed that Kenyans have been living in peace for the past few years and any plans to incite them should be fought with zeal.
“Kenyans are united and they have lived like this for many years. We should all embrace each other and work towards growing our economy.
Politics will come and go but Kenya will remain. The spirit of togetherness and brotherhood should lead us towards working for a better nation,” she said.
Linturi has since been arrested over his statement and he is expected to be arraigned in court tomorrow, Monday 10 to answer charges relating to hate speech and incitement.
