NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Buruburu 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.
The suspect, Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, also known as Engineer Kevin, was arrested following remarks he allegedly made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi event.
According to the DCI, the remarks were captured on video and later circulated widely on social media, prompting detectives to launch investigations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the remarks were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya and engaged in various economic activities, including employment.
The DCI said detectives are examining the circumstances and intent behind the statements as they investigate possible offences relating to hate speech and ethnic incitement.
Suspect faces hate speech charge
The DCI said Otieno 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 charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Wednesday.
The allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court. He remains entitled to due process and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The investigation comes amid heightened public debate over the presence and economic activities of foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly following recent government statements concerning immigration status, work permits and business operations.
DCI warns against ethnic incitement
The DCI reminded members of the public that freedom of expression is constitutionally protected but does not extend to hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.
The agency said Kenya’s diversity includes people from different ethnic communities and nationalities, including foreign nationals who live and work in the country.
It warned against targeting individuals or communities based on nationality or ethnicity where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence.
The DCI said such conduct would not be tolerated.
Public urged not to take law into own hands
The agency also cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or engaging in activities that could undermine peace and public order.
The warning comes as authorities continue to monitor public gatherings and online platforms for content that could contribute to ethnic hostility or violence.
The DCI said its detectives would continue monitoring public and online spaces for material and conduct that threaten national cohesion, public safety and peaceful coexistence.
Those found culpable will be dealt with according to the law, the agency said.
Burundians caught up in wider debate
The arrest comes against the backdrop of increased attention on Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
The government recently announced a 90-day regularisation window for foreign nationals operating small businesses to comply with immigration, work-permit, business registration and licensing requirements.
The measure followed public anxiety surrounding remarks by President William Ruto about foreign nationals involved in small-scale businesses and hawking.
Government officials subsequently sought to reassure foreign nationals that the regularisation exercise was intended to facilitate compliance with Kenyan laws rather than target a particular nationality.
The latest DCI case adds a security and public-order dimension to the debate, with authorities warning against turning concerns over immigration or economic activity into hostility against entire communities.
DCI calls for information
The DCI urged members of the public with information about hate speech, ethnic incitement or other criminal activity to report it anonymously.
Members of the public can contact the agency through the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative on the DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
The agency said information provided by the public would help detectives respond to conduct that threatens national cohesion and public safety.
