“We will Not Shutdown The Internet” Says Matiang’i, As Government Maps Out Hotspots Ahead Of 2022 Polls

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 30 – The government is constantly monitoring and evaluating the country’s security status ahead of the much anticipated 2022 general elections.

Already, the National Security Council (NSC) has revealed that it has mapped out the entire country and identified possible hotspots that will, ”give us challenges” amidst growing concerns that certain groups may seek to cause chaos.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Strategic plan, 2020-2025 at the Bomas of Kenya, said a multi-agency team has already started the countdown to the elections, with all systems go to ensure it is peaceful, free and fair.

“We have mapped the country, looked at hotspot areas that will give us certain challenges, police department have also done the same…we are looking at where we need what kind of resources in terms of personnel and deployment so that every Kenyan is protected and they exercise their rights freely,” said Matiang’i. 

Upon any election cycle concerns among citizens is that the government would seek to muzzle the right to speech and freedom of expression by, for instance disabling access to the internet. Matiang’i however says that the government will not do that to its citizens.

“Kenya is a mature country, we will not do those things that people do in other places on earth like turn off the internet or switch off Twitter…that will not happen in Kenya,” CS Matiang’i said.

“We will not harass people or do those kind of things that break the law or interfere with freedom of the people…we will lead and act according to the law and protect freedom but call people to account,”

The Inspector General of police and government administrators are expected to have a series of meetings to beef up pre-existing plans ahead of the polls.

Vernacular radio stations have meanwhile been put on the notice and warned against broadcasting messages of hate speech or giving platforms to individuals that spew seeds of discord, this as the Communication Authority warns that it will revoke their licenses and further seek their prosecution in court.

“We will be fairly ruthless when it comes to those who interfere with the freedoms of others or those that engage with activities likely to mess-up our country…we will not hesitate neither will we be  intimidated by any pressures or complaints from anybody, we will protect this country,” he said.

Meanwhile NCIC Chairperson, Rev. Samuel Kobia called on every stakeholder to ensure that they harmonize their operations and work towards ensuring a peaceful, free and fair elections.

Kobia also called on the judiciary to establish special courts that will handle cases of individuals accused of hate speech.

“We are looking forward to the support of the Judiciary especially with the cases hate mongers and those who incite violence. Just like there are courts handling corruption cases we want one to deal with this issue,” Kobia said.

Deputy chief justice Philomena Mwilu meanwhile also called for strategic planning saying it is a vital component of management of institutional governance.

“The election period is coming soon and and the strategic plan should ensure that it guides you quell the drum beats that have begun sounding louder. The 2022 electoral cycle promises be peaceful only if all stakeholders are engaged,” Mwilu said.