NCIC Puts Political Bloggers On Notice Over Propagating Hate Speech

NAIROBI,Kenya, Mar, 18 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga is set to appear before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) once he jets back into the country following a week long tour in the United Kingdom.

Odinga has been summoned by the commission over alleged hate speech remarks.

According to NCIC, Odinga is said to have made a series of remarks during a political event in Wajir before uttering the word, ‘madoadoa’ which is considered a hate speech term in Kenya.

The Azimio La Umoja presidential canidate however apologized for his remarks during a rally held in Kisumu saying he was misunderstood.

Speaking at a briefing NCIC Chairman Rev. Samuel Kobia said that justice will be served despite the leader’s status.

“NCIC summoned Raila Odinga over his statements. That initiated a comprehensive investigation and we promise Kenyans that as far as it is within the purview of our institution, no fish will be too big to fry,” said Rev. Kobia.

The commission says bloggers aligned to both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza factions have been spreading hate online, saying they have flagged over 36 social media accounts.

“We have flagged out nine cases of hate speech online in February,” said Danvas Makori, a commissioner.

“We are neither biased nor are we in favour of any political side. We will treat everyone who violates the law equally,” said Kobia.

He added that the commission will publish a list of words in English, Swahili and vernacular that constitute hate speech. Once the list is out the words will be banned for use either in a rally, broadcast or on social media.

The commission said that it is acquiring high technology tools that will help them monitor TV, Radio and social media to flag hate speech. “We need to ensure that evidence gathering is done professionally and quickly,” said Kobia.

The commission’s Vice-chairperson Wambui Nyutu said that parts of North Eastern and the coastal region were being monitored as possible violence hotspots. She added that cattle rustling was being used to cause tension and conflict among communities.

The summons to Odinga came in the wake of a Naivasha court dropping a hate speech case against Meru Senator, Mithika Linturi. Linturi used the word “madoadoa” during a rally in Eldoret rally on January 8. The prosecution failed to prefer charges against the legislator.