Former Subukia MP Koigi wa Wamwere launched a scathing attack against Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Saturday over his stance on hate speech.
Writing in his Saturday column in the star, the seasoned politician claimed Raila promotes hate speech in the country.
Koigi said he was shocked when Raila allegedly opposed a move by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Council of Governors and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to curb hate speech in the run up to 2017 elections.
“In response to a declaration of intent by President Uhuru, Governor Munya, NCIC Chair Francis ole Kaparo and others to combat hate speech during the campaign period that is most fertile period for its propagation, Raila argues he does not know what animal hate speech is and any effort to stop its propagation will amount to curbing freedom of speech,” Koigi wrote.
“I could hardly believe when I heard Raila opposing intentions to fight negative ethnicity and its propagator hate speech arguing people should be free to engage in hate speech during the unfolding campaign period when negative ethnicity is most lethal,” he added.
The seasoned politician condemned Raila’s move to associate with several MPs who had earlier this year been arrested over hate speech claims.
“Now I believe Raila did not condemn hate speech then because he believes in it as a tool of Cord politics,” Koigi added.
Koigi, who was once jailed together with Raila Odinga, said the ODM party leader is the obstacle to fight against hate mongers.
“If only Raila could believe in the elimination of hate speech, the crusade against negative ethnicity would be half won,” he said.