The government, through the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has established a unit to monitor and track hate speech on social media platforms ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Speaking at a youth forum in Kirinyaga, NCIC vice chairperson Wambui Nyutu confirmed that the unit is already in place and that the commission has provided it with the relevant facilities to help it in executing its mandate.
Nyutu added that the main responsibility of the established unit will be tracing people spreading hate speech on various social media platforms as the country nears the 2022 General election.
“We have purchased gadgets to track down those who might be using fake accounts to spread hate on social media as the country prepares for elections,” the NCIC boss stated.
She further acknowledged that social media platforms had become a common tool used by individuals to spread hate among Kenyans.
The youthful activist also added that social media platforms had overtaken political rallies as the major platform for spreading hate during the electioneering period.
In ensuring that hate speech culprits are punished, Nyutu stated that the commission was working with the other stage agencies to ensure they were arrested and prosecuted.
She further added that through the help of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the commission had been able to institute prosecution of individuals spreading hate on social media.
“The commission has instituted prosecution to some individuals who have propagated hate speech through social media. We are in constant contact with DCI to track down every individual who might be misusing the platforms,” Nyutu stated.
Previously, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i assured Kenyans that the government would not shut down the internet during the 2022 General Election.
He, however, warned that the government would ensure that social media was not used to create violence during the 2022 General election. The CS added that hate speech culprits will be tracked down and prosecuted.
“To those who break the law, we will arrange a good meeting between you and the law. Any threats to the vision of Kenya should be met with the full force of law," Matiang’i warned.
