See how unruly my opponents were, or so Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere seems to be telling journalists at his new office on Wednesday. The minister defended himself against allegations of hate speech. Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA
I was only responding to provocation from the ODM party leaders, that was Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere’s defence against claims of hate speech on Wednesday. The minister accused the vice chair of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Mrs Mary Onyango, of prejudice.
“I believe the good lady is shocked at my reappointment to the Cabinet or probably she has not recovered from my resounding win and the loss of my opponents whom she seems to serve,” he said.
On Tuesday, Mrs Onyango faulted Attorney General Amos Wako and Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere for not acting on recommendations to arrest Mr Mwakwere for hate speech.
Mrs Onyango said the commission had sufficient evidence to sustain a case against the Matuga MP.
But speaking at his office on Wednesday, Mr Mwakwere said the commission had not called him to explain his comments.
“What I said cannot be translated to mean hate speech and probably somebody is only becoming tribal. Was I angry? Yes. “Engaging in hate speech? No. I responded to hate speech by my opponents in ODM and the commission should thank me for that,” said Mr Mwakwere.
The minister said ODM leaders campaigning for Hassan Mwanyoha at Kibuyuni Shimba Hills in the Matuga by-election told some communities to be prepared for bloodshed if he was re-elected. The commission also accuses the minister of threatening returning officer Hellen Sidi, an allegation he denies.
On Wednesday, electoral commission boss Ahmed Issack Hassan said: “It is true there were complaints against the candidate and the commission followed the law to deal with the issue.”
However, he said the commission did not disqualify Mr Mwakwere because he “had heeded our warning and we did not hear of any more complaints.”
Daily Nation
By WALTER MENYA
Wednesday, August 18 2010
See the Video:
________________
Mwakwere denies inciting Kenyans
BY EVELYN NJOROGE
Mr Mwakwere claimed that he only spoke against his rivals who had provoked him and attempted to rig him out in the election.“I’m not aware of any hate speech made by me. What I’m seeing are clips of a sentence or two but if people understand Kiswahili, (as I said it in Kiswahili) there is nothing (there) that you can translate as hate speech,” he said.
The minister said he had not received any communication from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) accusing him of uttering inciting remarks.In a press briefing where he was supposed to outline his plans for his new docket, Mr Mwakwere showed journalists photos and video clips of some of his challengers dishing out money to his constituents in the exercise that was marred by a series of attacks on some of the supporters.His reaction came a day after the NCIC urged the Attorney General Amos Wako to prosecute him for violating Section 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008.
Mr Mwakwere however launched an attack on the commission saying that instead of vilifying him, the NCIC and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission should carry out thorough investigations and recommend the arrest of people he termed as the real culprits in the campaigns that saw him recapture his seat as the area MP.
The minister who was flanked by two councilors who were allegedly beaten during the campaigns said he was willing to provide ‘evidence’ that some people incited his constituents and others openly bribed them.Although Attorney General Amos Wako says NCIC’s allegations are being investigated by the police and his office, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken against the minister who just re-joined cabinet on Monday.
Source: Capital FM
_______________________
Below are the comments of Kenyans from all walks of life who on their own came out in support of the newly appointed Trade Minister, Hon. Amb. Chiarua Ali Mwakwere, when they saw a clear witch hunt on the part of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) particularly the commission vice-chair Ms. Mary Onyango who on Tuesday ( 17. Augu 2010) held a press conference faulting AG Amos Wako’s office and Matthew Iteere’s Kenya police of failing to act on its recommendations to arrest Hon. Mwakwere. The comments are unedited, were published by the Daily Nation, of August 17, 2010.
1. Submitted by ThuoGatunePosted August 18, 2010 12:53 PM
They have not derailed anything. The only prevented implementation of useless politically motivated, and shallow thoughts. Onyango still has the tribal mind-set, hating who-ever is in opposition with Raila.
2. Submitted by Jacobias9Posted August 18, 2010 12:28 PM
I love your comments.. usual Kenyan witch hunt. I expect more of this in the future. The same blood-thirsty mobs that chase and murder "suspects" in the streets of Nairobi also roam cyberspace thirsting for virtual blood.
3. Submitted by kiria_waraPosted August 18, 2010 10:55 AM
The eras of cover-ups, no-stones-turned and official impunity is what we overwhelmingly voted out. NCIC has every right to go public, they work for the same public, not a few elites. AG Wako must understand his days of smiling all evils away are over, as will be his tenure in an year, and work for Kenyans for a change. If Makwere is not arrested, neither should any other Kenyan submit to the law, or are there two sets?
4. Submitted by odhiamboondoroPosted August 18, 2010 08:23 AM
NCIC has every right to bring this issue to the public domain. Hon AG must be seen to be impartial in dispensing justice and not pussy footing when it comes to some cases. We had rather the speed that was used to bring the likes of Hon Machage to account be used in expediting this case lest we think there are some favourites and sacred cows.We are watching how Forever smiling will handle this.
5. Submitted by karoyoPosted August 17, 2010 10:01 PM
Dzipapa!!
6. Submitted by kiumbaniPosted August 17, 2010 06:05 PM
Its ok for NCIC to push for the prosecution of makwere for hate speech. but this should not be done in a way that depicts victimization. they should read out the whole list of warmongers to be prosecuted. otherwise we may read other motives!
7. Submitted by mureraikihiaPosted August 17, 2010 05:08 PM
I don't think Kenyans are taking the NCIC seriously as they are now playing politics. This is an ODM driven vendetta and vindictiveness at losing Matuga after much chest thumping and media hype. Why haven't we heard about Ntimama on suswa incitement et al? Even one of the Principals was is off the hook on some frivolous explanation by Kibunjia. ODM should grow up and learn to lose gracefully. Leave Mwakwere alone.
8. Submitted by ChesterPosted August 17, 2010 04:53 PM
Its funny that the Cohesion vice-chair Mary Onyango did not come out until after Mwakwere has been appointed to the cabinet. Come up! Leave Dzipapa alone.
9. Submitted by otienozPosted August 17, 2010 04:47 PM
Mrs Onyango shouldn’t engage in cheap politics of playing to the gallery. Mwakwere complained about the impartiality of the returning officer accusing her of being biased towards ODM. Is that hate speech? During referendum campaigns, NCIC only hunted down NO campaigners while turning a blind eye to inciters on YES side like Ntimama and Nkaissery. Give Mwakwere a break! Kibaki did well to ignore such busybodies in re-appointing him minister. Whom is NCIC working for? He defeated ODM and they must swallow their pride
10. Submitted by 13579Posted August 17, 2010 04:39 PM
Many Kenyans don't understand what their Laws stand for or why Laws are there to be followed.Let him alone he won the election,please arrest him,leave him alone mumezoea.This are the type of Kenyans who need to be educated on their rights and tought to understand how Law is ejected in action
11. Submitted by nmjoePosted August 17, 2010 04:23 PM
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission should understand there is a difference between, free speech, anger,insults and hate speech.They can not classify all bursts of anger and insults as hate speech.During the referendum even differing opinions were being called hate speech.The commission needs to first understand the law.People like Ntimama are still free because the commission is a political tool of intimidation that does not understand what hate speech is
12. Submitted by MishukiPosted August 17, 2010 04:09 PM
This guy has won the election, so leave him alone.Let us not play politics.We are in the next leg of implemeting the New constituion, the by-election is long gone.
13. Submitted by wanjiruwachegePosted August 17, 2010 03:41 PM
They could have done it ealier so leave Mr. Makwere alone mumezoea.
14. Submitted by rofiPosted August 18, 2010 07:26 AM
Forget Makwere, how about Gideon Moi and his father? These guys are showing open bias or a scared of some people. NCIC makes recommendations and what they recommend does not necessarily mean that people have to jump to attention. Boring
BY EVELYN NJOROGE
Mr Mwakwere claimed that he only spoke against his rivals who had provoked him and attempted to rig him out in the election.“I’m not aware of any hate speech made by me. What I’m seeing are clips of a sentence or two but if people understand Kiswahili, (as I said it in Kiswahili) there is nothing (there) that you can translate as hate speech,” he said.
The minister said he had not received any communication from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) accusing him of uttering inciting remarks.In a press briefing where he was supposed to outline his plans for his new docket, Mr Mwakwere showed journalists photos and video clips of some of his challengers dishing out money to his constituents in the exercise that was marred by a series of attacks on some of the supporters.His reaction came a day after the NCIC urged the Attorney General Amos Wako to prosecute him for violating Section 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008.
Mr Mwakwere however launched an attack on the commission saying that instead of vilifying him, the NCIC and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission should carry out thorough investigations and recommend the arrest of people he termed as the real culprits in the campaigns that saw him recapture his seat as the area MP.
The minister who was flanked by two councilors who were allegedly beaten during the campaigns said he was willing to provide ‘evidence’ that some people incited his constituents and others openly bribed them.Although Attorney General Amos Wako says NCIC’s allegations are being investigated by the police and his office, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken against the minister who just re-joined cabinet on Monday.
Source: Capital FM
_______________________
Below are the comments of Kenyans from all walks of life who on their own came out in support of the newly appointed Trade Minister, Hon. Amb. Chiarua Ali Mwakwere, when they saw a clear witch hunt on the part of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) particularly the commission vice-chair Ms. Mary Onyango who on Tuesday ( 17. Augu 2010) held a press conference faulting AG Amos Wako’s office and Matthew Iteere’s Kenya police of failing to act on its recommendations to arrest Hon. Mwakwere. The comments are unedited, were published by the Daily Nation, of August 17, 2010.
1. Submitted by ThuoGatunePosted August 18, 2010 12:53 PM
They have not derailed anything. The only prevented implementation of useless politically motivated, and shallow thoughts. Onyango still has the tribal mind-set, hating who-ever is in opposition with Raila.
2. Submitted by Jacobias9Posted August 18, 2010 12:28 PM
I love your comments.. usual Kenyan witch hunt. I expect more of this in the future. The same blood-thirsty mobs that chase and murder "suspects" in the streets of Nairobi also roam cyberspace thirsting for virtual blood.
3. Submitted by kiria_waraPosted August 18, 2010 10:55 AM
The eras of cover-ups, no-stones-turned and official impunity is what we overwhelmingly voted out. NCIC has every right to go public, they work for the same public, not a few elites. AG Wako must understand his days of smiling all evils away are over, as will be his tenure in an year, and work for Kenyans for a change. If Makwere is not arrested, neither should any other Kenyan submit to the law, or are there two sets?
4. Submitted by odhiamboondoroPosted August 18, 2010 08:23 AM
NCIC has every right to bring this issue to the public domain. Hon AG must be seen to be impartial in dispensing justice and not pussy footing when it comes to some cases. We had rather the speed that was used to bring the likes of Hon Machage to account be used in expediting this case lest we think there are some favourites and sacred cows.We are watching how Forever smiling will handle this.
5. Submitted by karoyoPosted August 17, 2010 10:01 PM
Dzipapa!!
6. Submitted by kiumbaniPosted August 17, 2010 06:05 PM
Its ok for NCIC to push for the prosecution of makwere for hate speech. but this should not be done in a way that depicts victimization. they should read out the whole list of warmongers to be prosecuted. otherwise we may read other motives!
7. Submitted by mureraikihiaPosted August 17, 2010 05:08 PM
I don't think Kenyans are taking the NCIC seriously as they are now playing politics. This is an ODM driven vendetta and vindictiveness at losing Matuga after much chest thumping and media hype. Why haven't we heard about Ntimama on suswa incitement et al? Even one of the Principals was is off the hook on some frivolous explanation by Kibunjia. ODM should grow up and learn to lose gracefully. Leave Mwakwere alone.
8. Submitted by ChesterPosted August 17, 2010 04:53 PM
Its funny that the Cohesion vice-chair Mary Onyango did not come out until after Mwakwere has been appointed to the cabinet. Come up! Leave Dzipapa alone.
9. Submitted by otienozPosted August 17, 2010 04:47 PM
Mrs Onyango shouldn’t engage in cheap politics of playing to the gallery. Mwakwere complained about the impartiality of the returning officer accusing her of being biased towards ODM. Is that hate speech? During referendum campaigns, NCIC only hunted down NO campaigners while turning a blind eye to inciters on YES side like Ntimama and Nkaissery. Give Mwakwere a break! Kibaki did well to ignore such busybodies in re-appointing him minister. Whom is NCIC working for? He defeated ODM and they must swallow their pride
10. Submitted by 13579Posted August 17, 2010 04:39 PM
Many Kenyans don't understand what their Laws stand for or why Laws are there to be followed.Let him alone he won the election,please arrest him,leave him alone mumezoea.This are the type of Kenyans who need to be educated on their rights and tought to understand how Law is ejected in action
11. Submitted by nmjoePosted August 17, 2010 04:23 PM
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission should understand there is a difference between, free speech, anger,insults and hate speech.They can not classify all bursts of anger and insults as hate speech.During the referendum even differing opinions were being called hate speech.The commission needs to first understand the law.People like Ntimama are still free because the commission is a political tool of intimidation that does not understand what hate speech is
12. Submitted by MishukiPosted August 17, 2010 04:09 PM
This guy has won the election, so leave him alone.Let us not play politics.We are in the next leg of implemeting the New constituion, the by-election is long gone.
13. Submitted by wanjiruwachegePosted August 17, 2010 03:41 PM
They could have done it ealier so leave Mr. Makwere alone mumezoea.
14. Submitted by rofiPosted August 18, 2010 07:26 AM
Forget Makwere, how about Gideon Moi and his father? These guys are showing open bias or a scared of some people. NCIC makes recommendations and what they recommend does not necessarily mean that people have to jump to attention. Boring
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