Hate body to monitor social media ahead of polls

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) will start monitoring all the social media activities and media platforms in a bid to tame hate speech and incitement.

In a youth forum chaired by NCIC commissioners Morris Dzoro and Linda Ochiel in Sotik, Bomet County where youth from Borabu and Sotik were hosted, the commission said it would closely work with law enforcers where youth being used by politicians for their own selfish interests are likely to be the main casualties.

“Even here in Sotik, Borabu boundaries, we are closely monitoring persons inciting communities. Even if you forward a message via WhatsApp, we are seeing it,” said Ochiel.

Earlier in October, NCIC had announced plans to purchase sophisticated communication gadgets at a cost of Ksh 20 million in an effort to deal with cases of incitement ahead of 2017 General Election.

Speaking to journalists in a Mombasa hotel after a closed door meeting with the parliamentary consultative committee an legal affairs and other government agencies, the commission national chairman, Mr Francis Ole Kaparo, confirmed that they expect to have new gadgets by January next year.

Kaparo indicated that the new sophisticated cameras will transmit all recordings direct to the commission headquarters in Nairobi, and those found playing divisive politics will face the full force of the law without fear or favour.

Kaparo further disclosed that the commission would recruit 100 peace monitors next year who will be trained and deployed in all 47 counties across the country.

Written by Eddy Ashioya