Kenya's internet will not be shut down during the 2022 election period, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has stated.
Speaking during the launch of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) strategic plan at the Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday, June 30, Matiang'i exuded confidence that Kenyans would follow the law and not spread hate speech during this period.
He, however, warned that those who would not follow the law, would be brought to book.
"We will be very ruthless when it comes to those who interfere with others' freedoms... We will not do things like switching off the internet.
“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," the CS cautioned.
Matiang'i added that the government would uphold both individual and collective freedoms for its citizens.
The CS' sentiments came a week after the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji assured Kenyans that the State would tame hate mongers and deal with those caught up in electoral offenses.
Haji vowed that politicians would be charged over hate speech, voter intimidation, and bribery if found on the wrong.
“Violence and such crimes can be reduced during elections,” he stated.
In May, NCIC also warned Kenyans following the rise in hate speech and incitement ahead of the 2022 elections.
Specifically, the authority warned on the escalating ethnic violence in Marsabit, Turkana and West Pokot counties.
