NCIC Summons Raila Odinga over 'Madoadoa' Remarks

ODM leader Raila Odinga has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over alleged hate speech remarks.

Odinga, who is eying the presidency in the August elections, is required to appear before the commission to shed light on the “madoadoa” remarks he made during a political rally in Wajir on Wednesday.

NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia in a statement says the term “madoadoa” is considered hate speech in the country.

“In his remarks, he mentioned the term ‘Madoadoa’ which is considered a hate speech term in Kenya,” says Kobia.

Kobia reiterated the commission’s commitment to continue to advocate for harmony and peaceful co-existence of persons of different ethnic and racial communities ahead of the upcoming elections.

“The Commission wishes to assure Kenyans of its commitment to curbing any form of hate speech, to ensure Kenya remains a stable, prosperous and cohesive nation, and to deliver on our promise of peaceful elections,” he added.

During the rally, Odinga urged Wajir residents to reject ‘madoadoa’ and only elect aspirants allied to the Azimio La Umoja coalition.

"Kuwa mwanajeshi wa baba lazima ukuwe na bunduki na risasi. Bunduki ni kitambulisho risasi ni kura. Tunataka candidates wote wachaguliwe ndani ya Azimio. Hatutaki madoadoa hapa Wajir," Raila said.

Deputy President William Ruto's allies have been calling for the arrest of Odinga, citing the arrest and prosecution of Meru Senator Mithika Linturi for using the same terminology.

“To demonstrate rule of law and in particular equality before the law, let Directorate of Criminal Investigations – DCI and office of the Director of Public Prosecutions act as swift as in the case of Mithika Linturi,” Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said through Twitter.

It is alleged that the ‘madoadoa’ phrase was used stir ethnic hate that led to the 2007/2008 post-election skirmishes that claimed 1,100 lives and saw over 600,000 people displaced.