Twitter, Facebook And Tiktok Flagged By NCIC Amid Increased Hate Speech Ahead of August Polls

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul, 6 – There are concerns over increased cases of hate speech and incitement as the country fast approaches the August 9, 2022 elections with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) citing social media platforms for spewing seeds of discord.

Several counties have already been mapped out as hotspots amid fear of poll violence.

According to NCIC, in June, 31 cases were flagged particularly after the chaos that marred the Kenya Kwanza campaigns at the Jacaranda grounds.

In the period under review, Twitter was cited to have the highest number of hate speech-related incidents. 16 cases were recorded and are under review,

“Hate speech and ethnic contempt with politicians inflaming ethnic passions through public statements and social media posts have been on the rise,” said NCIC chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia.

Facebook and Tiktok recorded seen and five cases respectively which are actively under review.

“As peace actors, we are concerned by the increasing number of hate speech cases in social media platforms with chaotic rallies being a trigger for incitement online,” said Kobia.

NCIC also observed that there are increased hate speech incidents targeting some government institutions such as the poll body IEBC.

The National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management is said to have reinvigorated the National Early Warning and Early Response System, allowing Kenyans to report cases of hate speech.

Kenyans can send a text message to 108 and 1547.