Linturi Acquitted After Police Failed to Conclude Probe into Madoadoa Remarks

Senator Mithika Linturi was on Monday freed by a Nakuru Court after police failed to conclude investigations into his madoadoa remarks on time.

The legislator was arrested on January 9 following a directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to the Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai.

“My attention has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media platforms portraying Mithika Linturi allegedly addressing a crowd and stating that … which utterances could incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination,” said Haji.

Read: DP Ruto Apologizes Over Linturi’s Comments, Asks Allies to Mind Their Language

“I hereby direct that you immediately institute comprehensive investigations into the said allegations and submit the resultant investigation file on or before 14 January 2021.”

Linturi explained that he was urging the electorate to eject leaders not loyal to Deputy President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

The legislator faced charges of allegedly inciting the public to violence.

After a grueling three days, the lawmaker was granted a Sh2 million cash bail or Sh5 million conditional bond.

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The court also ordered the Meru Senator not to contact or intimidate witnesses in the case, either by proxy or personally.

“His free speech rights are limited that he should not make any comments on the case under investigation,” Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti ruled.

The prosecution said that the Senator’s comments “are likely to spark racial strife” and requested that he be held for seven days while investigations were completed.

The prosecution also claimed that it had been unable to assemble cyber-forensic analyses and that statements from possible witnesses had yet to be recorded.

Read Also: Meru Senator Linturi Arrested in Eldoret Over Inciting Remarks

Linturi’s attorneys, on the other hand, accused the State of using delay tactics, claiming that the Prosecution violated the Constitution by bringing the accused in court after the 24-hour deadline had passed.

“The Constitution is clear that an arrested person should be brought to court not more than 24 hours,” the Magistrate noted.