NCIC pardons Senator Ledama Olekina over his hate speech remarks

Two NCIC commissioners Sam Kona and Danvas Makori said the senator had demonstrated willingness to engage in peace and reconciliation efforts in the county, after his remarks on Mau forest eviction earlier on landed him in trouble with law enforcement agencies.

Speaking in Narok South the commissions' advocacy for peaceful elections, the commissioners said they were terminating the case against the senator since he had regretted his assertions and continued to preach peace.

“Amesema tumsamehe; tumsamehe ama tusimsamehe" Makori posed to the residents. "Hio kesi yake kuanzia leo imeisha. The most important thing is not taking politicians to court, it is reconciliation. NCIC is a peaceful organisation which does not delight in arresting people and taking them to court,” he added.

In the same gathering, the lawmaker had called on the NCIC to quash his case arguing that his remarks were aimed at safeguarding the forest and protecting it from encroachment.

"Enda mtoe hio kesi kortini kwa sababu ni bure tu, mnaniweka ndani sababu ya maneno ya Mau... Na si hapa miti ziko mingi, kunanyesha kila siku sasa," Olekina said.

The legislator had been summoned by the commission over his sentiments on Mau Forest encroachment, which the NCIC referred to as inciteful to community violence.

 Olekina had visited the troubled Mau forest several times demanding that those encroaching on forest land be evicted.

"It has come to the attention of the commission that Mr Ledama ole Kina uttered words that are likely to affect harmonious and peaceful coexistence among communities living around the Mau complex," read a past statement by NCIC.