A magistrate in Naivasha has sentenced the chairman of a sand harvesting group to five years in prison after he was convicted of incitement.
Julius Sereto, 46, was convicted by Naivasha Chief Magistrate Peter Gesora for uttering words aimed at inciting members of his group against another youth group on June 4 this year.
The prosecution told the court that Pole pole and Moto moto youth groups, both dealing in sand harvesting, confronted each other over differences regarding sand harvesting in the area.
The court heard that Sereto, the chairman of Pole pole youth group, then incited his members by saying: ''You people of Pole pole youth group start attacking people of Moto moto youth group''. This act, the court heard, was calculated to cause harm between the two groups.
Police officers acting on a tip off from members of the public over the impending chaos between the two sand harvesting groups moved in and dispersed them using tear gas and rubber bullets.
Investigation carried out pointed an accusing finger at Sereto who was arrested and charged.