Deputy President William Ruto on Monday, January 10, broke his silence on the alleged hate speech remarks made by his ally - Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi.
The DP spoke during a prayer rally at the Bomet Stadium where he warned politicians in his party and leaders from across the political divide to be mindful of their language when on the campaign trail.
He implored politicians, regardless of their political affiliation, to strive towards uniting the country ahead of the upcoming August elections.
“We (UDA) do not subscribe to any divisive talk. We do not agree with any talk that profiles individuals, groups, or communities,” Ruto stated.
He went on to caution UDA-allied politicians to exercise restraint when seeking votes and avoid making comments that may elicit negative emotion.
“Senator Linturi made a statement which he regrets. He has apologized and withdrawn the statement. Going forward, all of us in my team must be mindful about our language and watch what we say so that we can unite this country,” added the Deputy President.
Ruto further called on the relevant authorities to prosecute any incidences of hate speech and incitement objectively without taking political sides.
“We want every inciter in Kenya, whether they belong to UDA or the other side, to face the law equally so that we can secure our nation,” asserted Ruto.
The rally in Bomet was attended by a host of MP’s allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, among them Aden Duale, Rigathi Gachagua, Ndindi Nyoro, and Didymus Barasa, among others.
The leaders came to the defense of the embattled Senator, some terming his arrest as a political witch hunt, as he had tendered an apology.
On Saturday, January 8, during Ruto’s mega rally in Eldoret, Linturi sparked controversy when he made inflammatory remarks, invoking the “Madoadoa” term while seeking full support for the party in the region.
The remarks caught the attention of the National Commission and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Linturi has since issued an apology which he later retracted through his legal representative.
UDA, through its Secretary-General, Veronica Maina, has issued an apology over the remarks while defending the context with which Linturi uttered them.
“Notwithstanding the way the term “Madoadoa” was deployed or the figurative and objective political intention thereof, the UDA Party is concerned that potent and emergent misinterpretation of the same might evoke negativity particularly given the electoral violence of yesteryears, and therefore regrets and apologizes for the turn of events following those remarks by Hon Linturi,” read part of the statement by the party.
Linturi is set to be arraigned in court today in Nakuru.
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