NAIROBI, Kenya — Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has challenged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over remarks she alleges could amount to hate speech and incitement.
Maina said authorities should apply the law equally to all political leaders, arguing that Kaluma should face investigation and possible prosecution if his remarks against government critics are found to violate the law.
She spoke on Sunday during a church service at PCEA Rev. Samuel Marima Memorial Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, where she joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders in criticising the government over recent incidents of political violence.
Maina cited violence reported in Homa Bay involving political leaders and their supporters, saying some people were injured and others hospitalised.
“We have seen what happened in Homa Bay. Linda Mwananchi went there, including Babu Owino, Sifuna and others. We saw them being accused of inciting violence. Some people were beaten, some are in hospital,” she said.
The legislator then accused Kaluma of making inflammatory statements targeting people who do not support the government.
“The other day, I saw Peter Kaluma, who is a Member of Parliament in Parliament. Peter Kaluma said that anyone who does not support the government should be dealt with. He said they would look for such people even in hotels and in their homes, and deal with them,” Maina said.
She called on the NCIC, DCI and ODPP to demonstrate that enforcement of the law does not depend on a politician’s political affiliation.
“I want to tell the NCIC, the DCI and the ODPP that while other people make statements, you are very quick to act and arrest them within 24 hours. Kaluma said those things. He is walking around spreading hatred,” she said.
Maina specifically challenged the NCIC chairman to act on the allegations, saying Kaluma should be investigated and prosecuted if authorities establish that he committed an offence.
“I am telling you, Chairperson of the NCIC, you are a bishop; do the work that you are supposed to do. Even that Peter Kaluma should, by now, have been sought out by the DCI, arrested and taken to court to answer the charges against him,” she said.
Maina invokes constitutional equality
The Kirinyaga legislator invoked Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and equal protection and benefit of the law, arguing that political affiliation should not influence how law enforcement agencies respond to potentially inflammatory statements.
“Because even if we are living in an animal kingdom, our Constitution of Kenya 2010 says in Article 27 that every person is equal before the law,” Maina said.
“Therefore, even Peter Kaluma should be arrested and taken to court to answer the charges. If you are serious about arresting people like Gachagua and others, then you should also arrest Peter Kaluma and take him to court to answer for his actions.”
Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed debate over statements by political leaders that could fuel hostility or violence.
