The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has ordered a probe into Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament Richard Onyonka’s utterances during a gathering in Kisii County.

This comes after a video clip showing Onyonka addressing a crown in Kisii emerged and went viral online.

“Reference is made to' a video clip circulating on social media platforms in which Hon. Richard Onyonka, MP for Kitutu Chache Constituency is addressing a gathering in Kisii County,” the DPP wrote.

In his letter addressed to the Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai on Monday, the DPP said the remarks captured in the video clip may be contrary to the constitution.

“The alleged remarks captured in the video clip may be contrary to Article 33(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which provides inter alia that "The right to freedom of expression does not extend to— (a) propaganda for war; (b) incitement to violence; (c) hate speech; or (d) advocacy of hatred" and section 62(1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, No. 12 of 2008,” the letter read.

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The video clip in question showed Onyonka reminding the DP that during the 2007 post-election violence, members of the Kisii community were killed. Onyonka said they have not forgotten about the atrocities and will forgive the DP. 

However, Onyonka advised Ruto that if the same happens this time around, then he will not be welcome in Kisii.

“William Ruto, wWatu wetu waliuwawa Kericho, wat wetu waliuwawa kule Eldoret, watu wetu waliuwawa West Pokot, hatujasahau. Tutakusamehea lakini wakati huu, ukiguza mkisii, hata mmoja, hutaweza kuja hapa Kisii,” Onyonka said.

Haji directed Muytambai to undertake investigations into Ononka’s utterances and submit the investigation file in seven days.

“Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, you are hereby directed to undertake investigations into the aforementioned matter and submit the investigation file within seven (7) days of the date hereof,” the DPP ordered.

A section of politicians allied to Ruto and UDA have been calling out to the DPP and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action against Onyonka the same way it happened in Linturi’s case.

They have since accused the DPP of applying the law selectively, insinuating that he was favouring one side of the political divide.

The DPP had ordered a similar probe into Meru Senator Mithika Linturi’s ‘madoadoa’ remarks at DP Ruto’s rally in Eldoret.