Police in Baringo on Tuesday, February 1, launched a manhunt for East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament (MP), Florence Jematia Sergon.

The MP affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was accused of making remarks bordering on hate speech and incitement. 

Detectives based at Kabarnet summoned the lawmaker to record a statement after she was captured on camera threatening to arm Baringo residents to fight bandits. 

The area is prone to banditry attacks and scores of people have died in the past months in surprise attacks. 

“They (police officers) are properly safeguarded and even have helmets to protect themselves. We are tired of asking for protection,” Jematia was captured addressing the residents.

Her remarks drew the ire of several politicians who urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intervene. 

“This is an EALA MP inviting citizens in Baringo to buy guns and ammunition. Hon. Jematia has stooped too low. I wish to caution leaders against seeking elective seats by making such reckless statements. Let’s work for peace,” West Pokot Senator and Leader of Majority in the Senate, Samuel Poghisio castigated the MP. 

Homa Bay Town MP, George Kaluma also condemned the incident, stating that the EALA MP had “taken the joke too far”.

The incident comes barely months after Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi, was arrested over making remarks during a UDA rally in Eldoret that were deemed reckless and insensitive and attracted a backlash from the political elite.

On January 24, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), Fred Matiang’i, warned political leaders against making inciteful remarks ahead of the August 9 polls. The CS stated that more officers would be deployed in the rallies, but will not take part in quelling chaos caused by the politicians.

He added that the ministry was and will continue to work with a multi-agency team which includes officers from the National Intelligence Service and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

NCIC Committee Vice-Chair, Wambui Nyutu called upon politicians to practice politics with principles and encourage political parties to discipline their straying members. She further asked political players to sign the Political Decency & Peace Charter to enhance accountability.