Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel has been charged afresh with hate speech.
Lempurkel is accused that on 17th July 2021 while on a television show aired by Maa TV made hateful remarks by uttering abusive and threatening words towards members of Kikuyu community.
The accused is alleged to have uttered the words ….”kure opa kulo tung’anak oji larei ne marginalise yiok, ilkokoyo, surely, meeta toki naishori yiok…” words which translate to…..”Those people known as buffaloes, marginalized us, kikuyus surely, no anything to be given to us….” words which caused ethnic hatred in Laikipia.
In another count, the former MP is accused that on the same date while on the TV show, he uttered abusive and threatening words towards members of white community to wit….”kiata na kule ashumba aota ilchambai kituak kake enyamali ang’ na ngujit ake kiata“. Words which allegedly translate to…..”We have white people who have vast lands….”
These words are also said to have caused ethnic hatred in Laikipia.
Lempurkel denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi.
His lawyer requested the court to maintain similar bail terms as issued when he was charged for the first time about four months ago.
In his ruling, the magistrate noted that the accused has been attending court and collaborates with the investigators, therefore maintained his cash bail of Sh 150,000.
The matter will be mentioned on 16th February 2022.
