The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo has clarified that abusive language, especially when used by politicians, does not translate to hate speech.
Addressing delegates at the Uwiano Training for Peace & Cohesion conference, Kaparo stated that verbal exchanges between leaders would not be treated as hate speech unless a community in mentioned.
“Matusi sio hate speech. Unaweza ita Kaparo mpumbavu, hayo ni matusi lakini sema WaMaasai ni wapumbavu uone (abusive language does not amount to hate speech. You can say Kaparo is stupid and that is just an abuse but don't dare say the Maasais are stupid),” he stated.
He, however, cautioned against "war-like speeches" and "careless talk" which he said were great disruptors of peace and cohesion.
Kaparo insisted on the need to tone down the political temperatures in the country adding that it was the best way of ensuring the country has a peaceful election.
The NCIC boss made the remarks just a day after nominated MP Oburu Odinga urged the Commission to prosecute President Uhuru Kenyata over hate speech.
Oburu accused the commission of applying the law selectively after it failed to implicate the president over his angry outburst in Turkana where he termed a politician shetani mshenzi (stupid devil).
Read Also: President Uhuru Kenyatta in Bitter Exchange of Words with Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok
The legislator also accused the NCIC Chairman of being biased and selective since he only summoned and prosecuted opposition leaders whenever they made utterances perceived to be inciting.
Read Also: Oburu Odinga Demands Prosecution of President Uhuru Kenyatta over Hate Speech
