Former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia has applauded the High Court for charging political leaders over hate speech.
Kimemia said the move will tame leaders from inciting utterances that might cause violence.
"We are proud of the courts and they should do more to ensure that hate speech is a thing of the past, leaders should compete on ideas and not abusive messages," he said.
Speaking to journalists in Eldoret town on Sunday, Kimemia cautioned leaders across political divide against reckless statements that might spur violence and animosity between Kenyans.
Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, Women Representatives Florence Mutua (Busia), Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi), MPs Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) and Kabete's Ferdinand Waititu were detained for four days at Pangani and Muthaiga police stations over hate speech.
Their cases will be heard in August after they were released on bond.