A man has been charged before a Nairobi court over alleged hate speech and inflammatory remarks targeting Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
Kevin Odiwuor Otieno appeared before Makadara Senior Resident Magistrate Stephany Bett after his arrest by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Buruburu.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said Otieno was arrested following the circulation of a video online in which he allegedly made inflammatory remarks during a gathering held at Jacaranda Grounds.
“Mr Otieno, was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Buruburu, following the circulation of a video online in which he allegedly made inciting remarks during a Bunge la Mwananchi gathering at Jacaranda Grounds on 6th September 2026,” it stated.
Otieno faced three counts relating to ethnic contempt, hate speech and offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Prosecution did not oppose the accused’s release on bail or bond.
However, the prosecutors urged the court to take into account the seriousness of the allegations when considering the terms of his release.
The court subsequently granted Otieno a bond of Sh300,000 or a cash bail of Sh150,000.
The case will be mentioned on October 28, 2026.
The prosecution will be required to present evidence supporting the allegations as the case progresses, while Otieno will have an opportunity to challenge the evidence and present his defence.
The charges arise against the backdrop of concerns raised by a section of Kenyans, civil society organisations and legal groups over the treatment of Burundian nationals in the country.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals living in Kenya thronged the Embassy of Burundi on Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi and nearby cyber cafés at the beginning of the week, seeking passports, emergency travel documents and other paperwork.
The surge coincided with heightened anxiety following President William Ruto’s recent directives targeting foreigners engaged in small-scale trade.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has since moved to address the concerns, apologising to Burundian nationals amid reports of ridicule and harassment following the directives.
Sing’oei said the government’s intention was to ensure that Africans, particularly East Africans, could live together peacefully while ensuring that foreign nationals in Kenya were properly documented.
“I say sorry because the other day there was a directive that those who operate small businesses without licences should vacate Kenya. Most of the people did not understand the message well and because of that, some of you have been exposed to ridicule from neighbours and friends, and we say sorry,” he said.
The apology came as concerns grew over the interpretation and implementation of the directive, with some Burundian nationals seeking documentation amid fears about their status and ability to continue living and working in Kenya.
