Three men accused of inciting members of the public to evict Tanzania businessmen from Gikomba market have pleaded not guilty to an incitement to violence charge.
Mose Muthee Wanjiru, Kennedy Kamau Wahome and Anthony Wambua Mbwika are alleged to have committed the offence on May 16 at Gikomba Market jointly with others and without lawful excuse.
According to the charge sheet, the three demanded that Chaaga traders from Tanzania should get their passports and return to their country.
“They will not do business here, they should go back to their country,” the charge sheet read in part.
Officers from Kamukunji police station were then informed that a group of close to 20 youths were rooting for the repatriation of the Tanzanians to their country.
When the officers went to the scene, they established that the three accused persons were among the ring leaders.
But the three claimed they were at their place of work when they were arrested and were not involved.
“I have no authority to demand a passport. I was drunk on the day and police managed to arrest me since I could not run,” one claimed.
The matter has been rescheduled for further hearing in May.
