The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) says it has stepped up processes to prevent hate speech as the country prepares for the August 9 General Election.
NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi stated that strict mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that politicians who engage in hate speech are detained and prosecuted.
Speaking in Homa Bay town yesterday when the commissioner flagged off a caravan preaching peace in the county, Okundi said the commission is using a multi-agency strategy to preventing hate speech during the electioneering season.
“The commission is employing a multi-agency approach to deal with politicians who perpetrate hatred.
We have dispatched our officials on the ground to gather evidence on politicians perpetrating hatred in their utterances,” Okundi said.
He further stated that a team made up of both state and non-state actors has been formed and would be deployed to help contain the vice and promote peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
According to Okundi, state actors include national government administration officials, police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The identities of hate mongers would also be published in the book of shame, according to Okundi, who was flanked by Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan.
The former Rangwe MP urged lawmakers to exercise caution and refrain from making rash pronouncements that could incite unrest in the country.
As the campaign season heats up, Lilan stated politicians who break the peace will not be tolerated in the county.
