Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko sets conditions in Waititu’s hate speech case

By Faith Karanja

NAIROBI, KENYA: The hate speech case against former Embakasi Member of Parliament Ferdinand Waititu is set to be withdrawn if he makes an apology to the community.

Waititu appeared before the High Court on Monday where he confessed that he never meant to offend any member of the Maasai Community.

The Director of Public Prosecution DPP keriako Tobiko sent an official to the court saying that the Former MP will have Charges withdrawn if he apologised.

"I come from the Maasai community as my father is Maasai, Currently we are in harmony with the community and they have agreed to forgive me on the matter," Said waititu.

Chris Ombeta Waititu’s lawyer told the court that the accused will apologise to the Maa community and urged the court to withdraw the case.

Omirera Moses, The senior Principal prosecution Council said the court understands the sensitivity of the matter and the case should be managed properly because it involves two communities.

According to him unreserved apology should be made to Kenyan people if the case will be heard at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission NCIC.

Omirera explained that there is no problem with the case being in the NCIC and they are ready to deal with case as there are three remaining witnesses.

The State is waiting for the NCIC to release the report as Tobiko did not oppose the negotiations.
"I am sorry for what I uttered to the Maasai community in kayole," Added Waititu.

Waititu was accused in the year 2012 for alleged incitement and hate speech against ethnic Maasai
The case hearing was postponed to October, 2 this year.