Nairobi — PRIME Minister Raila Odinga has been named among the politicians making "unsavoury, derogatory and insulting" remarks during the campaigns before referendum on the proposed constitution on August 4.

An annex in the report prepared by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights also pinpoints MPs Fred Gumo (Westlands), Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani), Ababu Namwamba (Budalangi), Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu Town West), Charles Keter (Belgut), Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Mohamed Mahamud (Mandera East), Wilfred Machage (Kuria) and Yes youth representative Ombima for uttering "unsavoury, derogatory and insulting comments".

The 37-page report, titled Taking Stock: Interim Report on Referendum Monitoring, was released by KNCHR chair Florence Jaoko-Simbiri at her office in CVS Plaza, Kilimani, yesterday. The monitoring was carried out between May 22 and July 29 by 40 officers in 80 constituencies.

Another annex highlights examples of deliberate distortion and misrepresentation and picks out five instances by Higher Education minister William Ruto, two by Wilfred Machage, and one each by Kiema Kilonzo (Mutito), Special Programmes minister Naomi Shaban, and Raila.

"We remain concerned at the escalating incidents of threats, and use of insulting remarks. Such language only serves to demean and intimidate individuals to abandon their beliefs and 'conform' in order to avoid being subjected to public ridicule and odium," said KNCHR chair Jaoko.

"We demand that those campaigning for and against the proposed constitution desist from uttering words that are likely to inspire hatred and incite the public to violence. We also call as on the police to take action against those involved in incitement as there are adequate legal provisions that provide a framework for them to take action," Jaoko said.

The KNCHR report noted "growing tension and persistent issuance of threats in region such as Kuria, Molo, Aldai, Tinderet, Muhoroni, North Mugirango (Sotik/Borabu border), Kwanza and Eldoret West".

Commenting on the abortion debate during the campaigns, Raila reportedly said, "Kuhusu mimba kazi ya wanaume ni sekunde mbili ... wadunga halafu ... (regarding pregnancy, a man's role takes two seconds ... they conceive and then ...)," a statement the commission deemed insulting.

In Kakamega on June 26 at a Yes rally, Gumo allegedly said, "Enock Kibunguchy (former Lugari MP and gynaecologist) amesema kazi yake ni kupima wanawake, kuangalia, kushika na mikono na kuwachia hapo tu ...