The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has identified 23 counties as potential hotspots for violence before, during and after the August elections.
In their study, counties were classified into categories in relation to the risk of violence happening there. The classifications include: High risk, medium high risk, medium low risk and low risk counties.
High risk counties include: Nairobi, Kericho, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu and Mombasa.
Nakuru was picked out as the hub of fake news, violence incitement, and propaganda. The Commission advised the security personnel to be ready and prepared to handle individuals propagating any dangerous information, especially on social media.
The Rift Valley and Nyanza still remain hotspots of violence.
Mombasa was flagged as the centre of a lot of criminal activity. The Commission stated that at least 93 criminal gangs were operating in the region. They would be the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Coast Region, especially during the election period.
On Tuesday, while launching the report, NCIC Chairman said prime stakeholders in the electoral processes must make immediate and correct decisions on poll malpractices in order to avoid the outbreak of violence
“If a chain is as strong as its weakest link, then Kenya is only as strong as its electoral years. Every five years we are treated to heightened tensions, threats of violence, hate speech and political vitriol, which threaten to throw us into violence,” said the Commission Chairperson, Samuel Kobia.
A 13 variable risk matrix was designed by the Commission to help in identification of counties more prone to violence, with the Chairman saying that those areas will be closely monitored with the main focus being hate speech.
Politicians were also alerted by the Commission that hate speech and incitement will not be tolerated.