DCI Arrests Man Over Alleged Incitement Against Burundians

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks allegedly intended to incite ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, the agency said the suspect, identified as Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, alias Engineer Kevin, was arrested by DCI Buruburu detectives over remarks he allegedly made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi event. 

"Detectives drawn from DCI Buruburu have arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks intended to incite ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya," the statement read.

The DCI said preliminary investigations had established that the remarks were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya and involved in various economic activities, including employment.

"Preliminary investigations have established that the utterances were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya and engaged in various economic activities, including employment," the statement added.

Detectives are now examining the circumstances surrounding the remarks and the intent behind them as they investigate possible offences related to hate speech and ethnic incitement.

"Detectives are examining the circumstances and intent behind the remarks as part of investigations into possible offences relating to hate speech and ethnic incitement," the statement further read.

According to the DCI, the suspect is expected to be charged with hate speech contrary to Section 13(1)(a), as read with Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, alongside any other appropriate charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations. He is scheduled to be arraigned in court tomorrow.

The agency also warned that constitutional protection of freedom of expression does not cover hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence, while stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among Kenya's diverse communities and nationalities.

"The DCI reminds members of the public that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.

"Kenya is a diverse nation that is home to people from different ethnic communities and nationalities, including foreign nationals who reside and work in the country," the statement noted.

The DCI further warned against targeting individuals or communities because of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence.

"The targeting of individuals or communities on the basis of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence, will not be tolerated," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, People's Liberation Front (PLP) Leader Martha Karua has alleged that President William Ruto's declaration to close businesses run by undocumented foreigners was a plan to woo Kenyans to re-elect him in 2027.

Karua, in a statement, stated that Ruto planned to shift the blame from his government to innocent foreigners, after he failed to create jobs for locals.

She claimed that by effecting the declaration, the Head of State hopes to plant a narrative that he is protecting Kenyans' interests.

"Now the tactic is clear: shift the blame from government failures to the suggestion that someone else is taking the opportunities meant for Kenyan and suddenly be seen as the President that can stand before traders and say, I am protecting your space, and I am putting Kenyans first," she claimed.

Marua stated that the President had failed to deliver his promises, and that putting them first did not mean victimising foreigners.

She added that despite his promises, Kenyan youths were struggling to secure employment and start businesses because of the punitive policies in the country.

"He came to power promising to be the President of the hustle: the small trader, the young person looking for work, the ordinary Kenyan trying to make a living. 

"Four years later, Kenyans are still struggling with the cost of living, unemployment, high taxes and an increasingly difficult environment in which to do business," she added.