Political Analyst Mutahi Ngunyi on Tuesday came to the defence of Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina following his arrest over incitement.
Taking to social media to react to the matter, Ngunyi said it was impossible to have a new constitution without giving people an opportunity to open up on disturbing issues that make them uncomfortable.
“We CANNOT write a new CONSTITUTION without saying the UNCOMFORTABLE things in the process. That is why the OPERATIONS of NCIC should be SUSPENDED until we PASS BBI. Pole ‘Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina,'” tweeted Ngunyi.
The statement by the analyst came minutes after Senator Ledama was arrested along Maalim Juma Road, off Dennis Print Road in Kilimani.
The fiery Senator was picked up by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and taken to its headquarters off Kiambu Road for grilling.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) confirmed to be behind the arrest.
“NCIC in partnership with DCI has today arrested Hon Ledama ole Kina, Senator Narok County,” tweeted the commission.
His arrest came a day after he was summoned to appear before the DCI in Narok.
We CANNOT write a new CONSTITUTION without saying the UNCOMFORTABLE things in the process. That is why the OPERATIONS of NCIC should be SUSPENDED until we PASS BBI. Pole "Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina"
— Mutahi Ngunyi (@MutahiNgunyi) February 25, 2020
“I Mwenda Ethaiba (SSP) – the County Criminal Investigations Officer Narok County- I am making inquiries into the alleged offence of hate speech contrary to section 13 (1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act no. 12 of 2008,” said the letter sent to the Senator.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 52 of the National Police Service Act of 2011, I require you [Ole Kina] to appear before me at the DCI Narok Headquarters on February 24, 2020, at 0900hrs,” read a statement summoning the Senator.
His arrest follows his statements regarding non-Maasais who buy land from their community for use in activities other than farming and pastoralism.
The Senator cautioned the non-Maasais from meddling in the affairs of their community, saying it was not their business.
The remarks attracted criticism from leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto who faulted the ODM leader Raila Odinga and the Senator for propagating divisive politics along the tribal lines.