DP Ruto apologizes over Linturi's remarks, asks UDA politicians to mind their language

Deputy President William Ruto has apologised over remarks made by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi in Eldoret on Saturday.

While addressing a rally at Bomet Green Stadium on Monday, the DP apologised to Kenyans further calling on members allied to his ' hustler nation' to be mindful of their language.

The DP also asked security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions to deal  impartially and decisively with all inciters across the political divide so as to ensure a peaceful election.

"As we approach the August general election, I want to tell members of my team — the Hustler nation — that all of us must mind our language;, all of must be careful about what we say so that we can unite this country because that is what the United Democratic Alliance believes in,” he said.

DP Ruto, at the same time, urged his competitors to follow suit in ensuring that they have tamed their troops to curb  inflammatory remarks that may cause division among Kenyans.

The DP said that relevant government institutions should ensure the law on hate speech and incitement is not applied selectively.

He also called on the security agencies to execute their mandate diligently and  refuse to be used to settle political scores.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the agencies charged with security should execute their mandate without fear or favour,".

The Senator was arrested in an Eldoret hotel on Sunday morning following a  directive by Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji to the Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to probe the lawmakers remarks and table the findings to the ODPP by January 14.

“…Watu wa Uasin Gishu musicheze na Kenya, na kile nawaomba ni kwamba madoa doa yale mulionayo hapa muweze kuondoa…’ Linturi told the Eldoret crowd on Saturday, remarks which  has drawn mixed reaction amongst Kenyans.  

In his letter to the police IG on Saturday, DPP Haji stated: “My attention has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media platforms portraying Mithika Linturi allegedly addressing a crowd and stating that … which utterances could incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination.”

“I hereby direct that you immediately institute comprehensive investigations into the said allegations and submit the resultant investigation file on or before 14 January 2021,” added Haji.