NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 9 — A 32-year-old man accused of making inflammatory remarks targeting Burundian nationals has been charged with hate speech and related offences and released on a Sh300,000 bond, as the government moves to contain tensions surrounding foreigners living and doing business in Kenya.

📻 Breaking It Down

Kevin Odiwuor Otieno, alias “Engineer Kevin”, appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Stephany Bett at the Makadara Law Courts on Wednesday, a day after his arrest by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Buruburu.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said Otieno was arrested after a video circulated online showing him allegedly making inciting remarks during a Bunge la Mwananchi gathering at Jacaranda Grounds on September 6.

The prosecution accused him of making remarks intended to stir feelings of contempt, hatred and hostility and incite violence against Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Mr Otieno was charged with three counts of ethnic contempt, hate speech and offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace,” ODPP said.

Principal Prosecution Counsels Alex Gituma and Maureen Mwenesa did not oppose his release on bail or bond but urged the court to consider the seriousness of the allegations.

The court granted him a bond of Sh300,000 or cash bail of Sh150,000.

The prosecution comes amid heightened government efforts to reassure Burundian nationals that they remain protected under Kenyan law following confusion over a crackdown on undocumented foreign traders.

On Monday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei visited the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi and apologised to the community over reports of harassment linked to the government’s enforcement measures.

“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I have come to convey our apologies to all of you because of the difficulties that have arisen recently,” Sing’oei said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya