ODPP initiates probe into 2 social media videos inciting ethnic animosity

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has initiated an investigation into two inflammatory videos circulating on social media, which could incite ethnic tension and violence among Kenyans.

“The attention of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been drawn to two videos on social media that could incite ethnic contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination among Kenyans,” part of a statement published by ODPP on Saturday, May 8, 2024, said.

In one of the videos, a speaker is heard inciting members of their community to take action against a perceived rival ethnic group that they blamed for taking over.

The speaker lamented that their community was being blinded by divisive politics as the rival ethnic group was asserting its dominance.

In the other video, the speaker stated that they would be part of their community’s liberation efforts.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has since invoked Article 157 (4) of the Kenyan Constitution, directing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to expedite their inquiries into those statements.

The resultant investigation files are to be submitted to the ODPP for further review and legal advice.

The ODPP’s Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Division highlighted the critical nature of this investigation, stressing the need to preserve national cohesion and prevent the spread of ethnic animosity.

This development comes at a time when Kenya is striving to maintain peace and unity in the face of political and social challenges.

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