MP Waititu could face murder charges

Water assistant minister Ferdinand Waititu may face murder charges arising out of his incitement to violence case.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko asked the magistrate's court that the Embakasi MP should be remanded at the Kayole Police Station for 48 hours pending investigations into the killing of two people in his constituency on Monday.

The DPP had opposed bail after the MP denied two counts of incitement to violence charges before senior principal magistrate Paul Biwott.

State Counsel Lilian Obuo told court that police were in the process of linking the MP to murder following his utterances.

"On September 24 at Kayole corner, John Kereri Gitau was killed by persons alleged to be Masaai watchmen.

"At 10am, Waititu went to the said murder scene and addressed the crowd that had gathered saying "Tunasema namna hii, kutoka leo hio wamaasai wote hatutaki kuwaona hapa Kayole," Ms Obuo told court. (We are saying that from today, we don't want to see these Maasai here in Kayole).

She said the utterances caused the crowd to hunt for the Masaai and in the process, Lucas Mitibon and Nyangusi Ole Sindoe were attacked, injured and property destroyed.

"In addition, two other people were killed and we are in the process of investigating the killing which occurred as a result of his utterances," she said.

The magistrate ordered that Mr Waititu be remanded at the Kileleshwa Police Station until Friday when the court will rule on his bail terms.

A further direction will be given on whether the State may make amendments to his charge sheet after an affidavit presented in court touching on the murder charges is subjected to cross examination by Mr Waititu's lawyers.

"Investigations reveal that two persons were murdered as a result of his utterances," Chief Inspector John Wainaina said in the affidavit.

Mr Waititu, who was accompanied by lawyers Evans Ondieki and Cliff Ombeta, was whisked away under tight security.

Earlier, the MP had complied with orders that he appears before court to answer incitement to violence charges.

He arrived at the magistrate court at 8.30am Thursday ready to take plea before senior principal magistrate Paul Biwott.

The subdued MP, who was in handcuffs, could be seen consulting with his lawyer, Evans Ondieki, in low tones.