Kenyan court frees 8 lawmakers on bond over hate speech

A Kenyan court on Friday released eight lawmakers accused of hate speech and incitement to violence on bond, pending hearing in August.

Nairobi Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo ruled that there were no compelling reasons to deny bail to the lawmakers who had been in police custody since Tuesday, since no witnesses have been disclosed to the accused persons.

The court set hearing dates in August for the lawmakers stemming from both the ruling government and the opposition.

Kenyan authorities have decried rampant incitement by politicians and the use of social media to propagate hate speech ahead of next year's general elections.

The authorities also warned that if unchecked political rhetoric would spark violence ahead of the 2017 polls which is expected to be closely contested.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday warned he would not allow Kenyans to be divided along tribal lines and said those who sought to do so ahead of the 2017 polls would and should face the full force of the law.

"We all know that the problems that we had in 2007 was a result of inciteful statements by politicians that led to clashes between communities, people who lived together as neighbours," he added.

Kenyans have called on politicians to check their language in the run up to campaigns, warning that unless the current political rhetoric is toned down, the country is likely to be plunged into chaos as witnessed during the 2007/2008 post poll chaos.

They have also called on relevant government institutions such as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the international community to move fast and act against politicians and any other leaders involved in the use inflammatory sentiments. Endit