NCIC puts on notice political leaders spreading hate speech and division

Stamping its authority, the commission, through its chairperson, put on notice political leaders, the media, and the general public that it would wield its powers against those spreading hate speech. 

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen also reiterated the government’s commitment to weeding out perpetrators of violence, especially at political events.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has unleashed its machinery, saying it will mete out punitive measures on those engaging in divisive rhetoric and outright hate speech.

Speaking after attending a church service in Nairobi, NCIC chairperson Kepha Omae put on notice all Kenyans against abusing their freedom of speech.

"The laws are going to take their full course, and this is irrespective of political affiliation. We will take decisive action by investigating so that we have the facts, and working with other agencies," said Omae.

This, even as leaders attending various functions across the country also stressed the need for cohesion.

"Anybody inciting Kenyans against one another, such a person must face the law. There are existing laws in this country, and everybody must adhere to those laws," said COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli. 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government will not be shielding any person supporting violence, either through speech or by facilitating the goon culture.

"We are very clear that any act of lawlessness or impunity must be handled in accordance with the law. So the question of whether there is anybody in government supporting them, the answer is no," said Mudavadi.

On his part, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowed to deal with goonism. 

"Tumepambana na bandits mpaka wakawacha bunduki, tumepambana na Al-Shabaab kwa nchi yetu, tumepambana na wakora. Goons cannot bring problems in our country," he said.