Court quashes bid to stop Mutahi Ngunyi's arrest and prosecution

Efforts by political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi to block his arrest over hate speech claims hit a snag after the High Court refused to grant his wish.

Mr Ngunyi had moved to the court yesterday to seek orders stopping Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet from arresting him, barely 24 hours after Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko recommended that he be charged.

"I certify the matter as urgent and direct the petitioner to serve the respondents and appear in court on Thursday for further directions," judge Joseph Onguto said in his brief ruling.

Ngunyi had asked the court to restrain the IG from arresting or instituting criminal charges against him based on Mr Tobiko's recommendations.

The case against Ngunyi follows a complaint by the Law Society of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Apollo Mboya who also represents lawyers at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

Ngunyi allegedly posted on his Twitter account a post disparaging Coalition for Reforms and Democracy co-leader Raila Odinga and the Luo community.

Investigations into the alleged incitement remarks were conducted by both police and the NCIC officials.

The DPP has noted there is evidence to charge Ngunyi.