NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 8- The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has released a lexicon of words termed hate speech.
The lexicon of words was released by NCIC chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, saying politicians must not use them during this electioneering period.
They include words like Madoadoa, Operation Linda Kura, Mende, Kama Mbaya Mbaya, Mhajira and Fumigation. Others are hatupangwingwi, watu wa kurusha mawe, kama noma noma, kwekwe, chinja kafir, wakuja, operation linda kura, Kihii, Uthamaki ni witu, mwiji, Kimurkeldet, Ngetiik among others.
The flagged down words are from different dialects spoken in the country including sheng.
For example the word fumigation, he said, is used against non-locals in various parts of the country.
The other term is uncircumcised, which the commission said is often used by politicians and their followers, to target communities that do not embrace circumcision as a right of passage.
In the past, politicians have found themselves in trouble for using the word Madoadoa- a word that was largely used during the 2007-2008 post-election violence to profile a certain community living in Rift Valley.
At least, more than 1,000 people were killed during the violence, while more than 600,000 others were internally displaced.
He said if not curbed, hate speech can easily lead to violence during and after the August 9 elections.
“We call Kenyans to embrace issue-based politics over tribal or any other form of divisive narratives,” he said during a press conference held in Nairobi.
He said hate speech, zoning of regions, and inflammatory attacks have been on the rise, in the recent past.
He urged Kenyans to restrain themselves while using social media platforms.
Kobia said they have already flagged down several social media accounts fueling hatred and hate speech.
Most of the social media accounts on the spot are said to be aligned to the Raila Odinga led Azimio la Umoja and Deputy Presiden Willliam Ruto’s led United Democratic Alliance party.
Kobia further condemned incidents of hooliganism during political events. Both Ruto and Odinga are victims of political violence.
“I urge the political leaders to reign on their rogue members, because they are the ones who are likely to go over board,” he said.
“Political parties have a responsibility to reign on their followers.”
He also said politicians are increasingly using Boda Boda groups to cause mayhem. He said, already some operators are slowly forming criminal gangs.
“Violence-Free Elections ahead of the August 2022 polls remains our core business. We have intensified our programs to ensure this goal is attained. We call for an end of divisive talks and call for political tolerance,” he said.
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