UDA MP Arrested Over Hate Speech

Teso South Member of Parliament Mary Emaase has been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on allegations of hate speech. 

As stated by a DCI representative, Emaase allegedly made threats to teachers appointed to her constituency, cautioning them that they would not be permitted to take up their teaching positions. In addition, she demanded the immediate appointment of teachers from her own area, which goes against the rules set forth by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Following this, Emaase was whisked away from her Nairobi residence to the DCI headquarters for investigation.

The decision to either release or detain her prior to her August 3rd court appearance remains uncertain. The legislature has been criticized for allegedly favouring residents of her county with teaching positions, a move that appears to be a breach of Article 27 (4) of the Constitution which calls for impartiality.

"No person shall be discriminated against based on gender, colour, religion, conscience, marital status, pregnancy, health status, ethnic or social origin, colour, age, disability, culture, dress language or birth," the Article outlines. 

Emaase, who lost in the 2017 polls, won on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, defeating her opponents Geoffrey Omuse, Sospeter Ojaamong, Millicent Ekasiba, Charles Omuse, and Richard Ing'wali. She also holds the position of Vice-chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

In a separate incident, Kisumu Milimani Ward MCA Seth Kanga also known as Adui Nyang' was arrested on Wednesday by the DCI for allegedly participating in recent anti-government protests. Kanga was apprehended while having tea at Java Hotel in Kisumu. According to the police, the MCA has been a key organizer of the Kisumu anti-government demonstrations and escaped last week when police tried to apprehend him.