Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, on Tuesday, January 11, detailed how he would help tame hate mongers in the country, with a special focus on political elites.
The Chama Cha Kazi (CCM) party leader, noted that the High Court declared Section 96(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code (incitement to violence and disobedience to the law) unconstitutional.
In January 2020, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Jessie Lessit, Luka Kimaru, and John Mativo ruled that the code shifts the legal and evidential burden of proof to an accused person from the prosecution. The trio added that it is the prosecution's duty to build and prove a case.
Kuria further explained that there was no point in arresting and charging politicians alleged to have made hateful remarks as they would only get a slap on the wrist.
According to the lawmaker, who is undergoing treatment in Dubai, the only punishment hate politicians get is pre-plea detention and higher bail terms. This, Kuria revealed, was not enough to curb suspects.
The MP thus took it upon himself to help others reform, having previously, been arraigned in court for allegedly making remarks bordering on hate speech.
Kuria revealed that when he returns to Kenya, he will embark on coaching his colleagues and helping those who are willing to mend their ways.
"As a reformed ranking member of that ignominious club who had charges in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and all acquitted, I can only say the ultimate solution is self-regulation among the political class and adherence to a code of conduct.
"I will be starting peer-to-peer coaching lessons for those willing to reform like I did when I return to Kenya," he stated.
On Saturday, January 8, the Gatundu MP castigated Meru Senator Mithika Linuturi over remarks he made while addressing a rally at Eldoret Sports Club.
Kuria argued that Linturi's statement in Rift Valley could open wounds, especially after the region was largely affected by the 2007 Post Election Violence (PEV).
"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)," he wrote.
Linturi, who recognises himself with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was arrested and is under investigation over the controversial remarks. Deputy President, William Ruto, has since cautioned his allies from endorsing each other and propagating divisive narratives.
