Mutahi Ngunyi faces NCIC over 'hate' tweet

Political Analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has been grilled by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over his alleged hate remarks against the Luo and Luhya communities.

He was questioned for over an hour over remarks he posted on his Twitter account last month.

Law Society of Kenya secretary General Apollo Mboya responding to political Analyst Mutahi Ngunyi apology to the Luo community.He welcomes his apology but says Ngunyi is not serious because his writings are still on his face-book page on 01/09/15. (PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE/ STANDARD)

Speaking to journalists after the grilling, Mr Ngunyi (above) admitted that he was wrong to have posted the comment that drew criticism from different quarters.

"For this particular one I was wrong," he said, but was quick to add that his apology to the communities does not extend to Opposition leader Raila Odinga, since he is not the 'Luo nation'.

Ngunyi said his tweet meant no ill against the two communities, adding that "there are instances you say something then it comes out wrongly and the best strategy is to apologise". He said his post was in the context of the "politics of some politicians who breed poverty in some areas".

"I meant no ill against the Luo nation. In fact I love the Luo and Luhya communities. My problem is with him (Raila), (and) he is not the Luo nation," he said.

Turncoat revolutionary

Ngunyi said his problem with Raila should not be construed to mean he was against the whole community. reiterating his previous remarks that the former premier "is a turncoat revolutionary". While maintaining that he has a constitutional right to criticise any leader, the beleaguered political scientist famed for his 'tyranny of numbers' theory, said he was not afraid of going through a judicial process.

"But I would root for reconciliation because that is what the NCIC Act specifically talks about," he said.

He said he was willing to buy a goat for the Luo Council of Elders as a way of reconciling with the community over the remarks.

NCIC summoned Ngunyi after Law Society of Kenya Chief Officer Apollo Mboya asked the commission to investigate the August 21 tweet that was interpreted to mean that the community was "poverty stricken and in mental slavery". "He should have demonstrated that he is sorry by pulling down the tweet," Mr Mboya said.