Gatundu MP Moses Kuria fails to secure bond over his incitement charges

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria will spend two nights in remand pending the determination of his bond application.

Mr Kuria who appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo Wednesday charged with incitement, was arrested on Tuesday and is being held at the Kilimani Police Station.

Mr Ogembo issued the order after Kuria pleaded not guilty to two counts of incitement to violence and disobedience of the law following a successful petition by the prosecutor objecting his release.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Leonard Maingi opposed his release on grounds of public interest, and that the MP was likely to commit a similar crime.

Mr Maingi said Kuria had previously disobeyed a court order in another incitement case, which had prohibited him from making statements that would amount to what he was being charged with.

"An accused person while on bail cannot repeat the same matter that is subject in court. That is according to the law on bail policy guidelines," he said.

He added: "Your honour, the accused is facing similar charges to the ones in court. He is likely to repeat the same."

The prosecutor said Kuria is a national security and public safety threat because of sentiments he is alleged to be have made in June 26.

"Your honour, if saying Kenyans should be attacked and cut with pangas is not a serious offence, then, I do not know what is," he said.

However, Kuria's lawyer, Danson Mungatana said the case against him was malicious and political.

"Your honour, the DPP should not lie that my client is guilty. This is nothing about justice but the charges are meant to settle political scores in court," he said.

Mr Mungatana said according to the law, bond was a fundamental right of every accused person.