Kenyans have been advised to be cautious when using online platforms to avoid fuelling animosity among members of the public.
In a press release dated May 25, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also advised the youth to refuse to be used by self-seeking politicians to plant seeds of anarchy in the country, but rather be ambassadors of peace.
The Commission has also reminded Kenyans to be engaged in peaceful and constructive dialogue instead of pursuing narrow political mileage that may undermine national unity.
“We urge all citizens to exercise responsible communication both offline and online. Before sharing, amplifying, or endorsing content, every Kenyan must confirm the content does not promote division, contempt, or hostility. Every citizen is a custodian,” read part of the statement signed by NCIC Chair Bishop, Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae.
“We are actively monitoring political discourse across all platforms, including mainstream media, social media, public rallies, and formal political proceedings. The commission will not hesitate to act. Where evidence of hate speech, incitement, or ethnic contempt is established, the Commission will pursue the full range of measures available under its disposal.”
The Commission is also calling on political parties to reign in their followers by issuing explicit marching orders that will ensure they adhere to the tenets of the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution.
In addition, Political party leaders have been told to flag down any of their followers found engaging in activities that may imperil the peaceful coexistence of other members of the public.
“Parties bear direct institutional responsibility for the conduct of their members and cannot distance themselves from consequences of the toxic environments they permit or encourage. We urge the political leaders to model restraint, measured language, and genuine respect for political opponents. Leaders must actively denounce hate speech and incitement within their own formations. Silence in the face of intolerance is itself a form of endorsement,” stated the commission.
Kenyans have also been told to take stock of the long road the country has traversed before attaining the current hard fought democracy and peace and urged Kenyans to defend it at all cost.
The Commission hit out at those flouting Article 10 of the Constitution on National Unity through weaponized ethnicity in order to mobilize political support warning that Kenya cannot afford to trudge along such a slippery path.
“Article 33(2) expressly provides that the right to freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others, incitement to cause harm or advocacy of hatred based on any ground of discrimination contemplated under Article 27(4) of the Constitution. The National Cohesion and Integration Act (7N) renders ethnic contempt and hate speech criminal offences. They are legal obligations binding every Kenyan without exception,” affirmed the statement.
The Commission’s cautionary advisory comes at a time when the country appears to have taken to early campaigns despite the next General Elections being 14 months away.
In October last year Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga, had to apologize before stepping down from his position as Council of Governor Vice Chair, following a public outburst over a remark he allegedly made, following the death of former Premier Raila Odinga.
The alleged comments were captured in a video clip dated October 21, while Dr Kahiga was attending a burial ceremony in Kieni East Sub county.
In the video grab, (done in vernacular), the Governor was alleged to have been gloating over the death of Raila, equating it to a blessing in disguise for the people of Mount Kenya, who felt sidelined in the allocation of national resources.
But the Governor later said the comments had been taken out of proportion and expressed regrets over the public anger his words had elicited, especially at a time when the country was still mourning the death of one of its finest statesmen.
“The clip was taken while attending a burial in my home village. My remarks were in no way celebratory. What I meant is that under the current broad-based government, we have seen skewed development and politically the loss of the Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sends everyone back to the drawing board. As the popular saying goes, ‘God takes the best and it is in this context that I made those remarks in vernacular,” he stated.
“In noting the huge public interest that this issue has generated, I am taking responsibility for the real and perceived meaning of my remarks and as a result I have decided with immediate effect, to step down as the Vice Chair of the Council of Governors.”
He similarly clarified that the statements were his personal views and were in no way to be construed as a reflection of a community’s position or political affiliation.
And early this week, Dr Kahiga hit out at UDA Secretary General, Hassan Omar, over statements he allegedly made, which appeared to vilify members of a certain community in Kenya.
The Governor condemned the alleged remarks and asked the former Mombasa Senator to step down from his position as Secretary General of the ruling party.
“People like you Hassan Omar, our appointed UDA Secretary General, are a great liability to the Party, to Kenyans and to all people of goodwill. When you try to demonize an entire community just because you think Kenyans have forgotten your role in the ICC matters, is a tragedy. You were on record bashing me for my purported remarks on Rt Hon Raila Odinga’s death. I took responsibility for both the intended and perceived meanings and resigned as Vice Chairman of the Council of Governors. I now challenge you to do the same,” demanded the Governor.
Omar has since apologized over his remarks, which he said had been taken out of context and were not in any way directed at any community in particular, but rather a grievance against historical land injustices for the coastal people.
by Samuel Maina
