HATE SPEECH CHARGES AGAINST BLOGGER DIKEMBE SHOULD BE DROPPED

RE:STATEMENT ON HARASSMENT AND VICTIMIZATION OF PERCEIVED ANTI-GOVERNMENT BLOGGERS Ladies and gentlemen, Our concern has been raised by the constant terrorization of bloggers deemed to be antagonistic to the present regime. While we are heedful of the law on hate speech; we are deeply concerned at the style in which the same is applied selectively. Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in this partial appliance of the law largely targeting those perceived to be anti- government. This trend is alarming and is clearly intended to silence and bully us into acquiescence. The latest stab to deny Kenyans their freedom of speech and expression involve summon to appear before Milimani law court on 25th July, 2014 issued to Dikembe Disembe to face charges related to hate speech. We want to state categorically that the charges leveled against him are frivolous, outlandish and uncorroborated. He is innocent of all the accusations and we have no iota of doubt that he will be exonerated. We call upon government to stop victimizing bloggers simply because they criticize the state. As for the fallacious indictment against our friend Dikembe, we vow to stand by him throughout the journey to ensure that justice prevails. This case is not about Dikembe, it is all witch- hunt and misapplication of law that must be resisted by all Kenyans regardless of their political divide. We would like to thank all those who have stood by us and offered support since the matter popped up. Also we welcome all those who mean well for this country to join us in fighting for justice. Nonetheless, this act of cowardice will never dissuade us in anyway nor will it kill our resolve to fight for just society. As the friends of Dikembe, and bloggers, we will stand by him until this matter is dealt with conclusively. Thank you. Signed Jim Bonnie. Blogger Friends of Dikembe (FODD) Thursday, July 24, 2014