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Kuria, Muthama charged with incitement to violence

hate

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (left) and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama in handcuffs at Milimani Law Courts yesterday on allegations of hate speech. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NMG

Gatundu South MP Moses Kiarie Kuria and former Machakos Senator Johnson Nduya were Tuesday charged with incitement to violence.

Appearing before Nairobi chief magistrate Francis Andayi, Mr Muthama, through his lawyers Dr John Khaminwa and James Orengo, termed the charges as “ridiculous” and should not be brought against any person in a progressive country like Kenya.

Mr Muthama, whom his lawyers described as a law-abiding citizen and a “respectable landlord to more than 10 diplomats” allegedly uttered words to the effect of challenging President Uhuru Kenyatta and deputy President William Ruto to a duel at Uhuru Park.

According to the prosecution, the words imply that it was desirable for Kenyans to engage in physical fight.

Mr Kuria is accused of uttering abusive words towards opposition leader Raila Odinga and his wife Ida. The prosecution alleges the words were intended to bring physical injury.

They were directed to deposit cash bail of Sh300,000 to secure release or a bond of Sh500,000 plus one surety.

They were also ordered to sign a bond of Sh1 million to could abide by the bond terms, failure to which the money will be taken by the state. Mr Kuria pleaded for a free bond, saying he had just come out of campaigns.