The Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai on Tuesday, September 8, issued orders to police regarding utterances made by politicians, which he termed as 'reckless' and inciteful.
In a statement, Mutyambai instructed all police officers to deal decisively with the perpetrators of hateful remarks adding that the police service would not tolerate such incidences.
"I take seriously any threats that affect the security of the people and their property. Police officers and investigators have important roles to play in responding to these incidences of hate speech and incitement to violence.
"The national police service will leave no opportunity to any leader intending to incite the general public to violence, such incitement shall be faced with the full force of the law," he declared.
Mutyambai assured that the security agencies were alert and would protect all individuals and their properties in the country.
He further disclosed that they would work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen and ensure that there are concerted efforts to enforce the law against individuals and groups attempting to cause breaches of peace, as well as risk the people's safety and security.
"We urge members of the public to resist any attempts by the leaders or any other individual to incite them to violence," the IG added.
His statement comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji preferred charges against Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng'eno who's fiery speech criticizing President Uhuru Kenyatta and the larger Kenyatta family had gone viral.
The legislator was arrested on Monday, September 7, over incitement.
In a statement, the DPP highlighted that Ng'eno would be charged with hate speech contrary to Section 13 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008 and offensive conduct conducive to breaches of peace contrary to Section 94 of the Penal Code.
At the same time, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also came under fire for his remarks which he went on to clarify that he had not insulted other leaders.
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto called out leaders who were using insults against others terming it unnecessary.
"Unsavoury words against mothers and Head of State is a NO, NO. No amount of anger justifies use of offensive insulting language," the DP wrote on social media.
