Murkomen, Haji warn on social media disinformation and misinformation
According to Haji, while freedom of speech is a cornerstone for democracy, there should be a balance between free speech and national security.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji has maintained his warning to Kenyans against the misuse of social media platforms, adding that they pose a huge threat not only to the nation but also regional security.
Speaking yesterday in Naivasha to a security delegation, Haji stated that the rise of social media misuse can plunge the country to unrest.
The NIS boss affirmed his previous comments that the misuse of the various platforms fuels misinformation and incites violence.
According to Haji, while freedom of speech is a cornerstone for democracy, there should be a balance between free speech and national security.
“Across the continent, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of social media platforms for advocacy and mobilization for civil actions. However, this has led to the emergence of coordinated and sustained misinformation and disinformation,” the NIS boss stated.
“The misinformation and disinformation are aimed at misguiding citizens, leading them to make poor decisions and shaping their perceptions of their governments,” he added.
The sentiments by Haji were echoed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who cautioned Gen Z and Millennials (Youths) against social media to spread hate speech and hatred adding that they are a threat to the unity of the country.
“Spread disinformation and spread inflammatory rhetoric, perpetuate technology-related threats such as cyber fraud,” Murkomen said.
The two-day meeting in Naivasha brought together high-profile security officials from African nations and focused on emerging security threats and sought to improve collaboration between African nations in intelligence sharing and response strategies.
The statement by Haji comes days after he and the Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri warned against the publicised anti-Ruto campaigns dubbed “Ruto Must Go’ amid growing chants in the president’s public forums or events he attends, the most recent one being during the international match between Gabon and Kenya.
Haji and Gen Kahariri, in their warning, stated that attempts to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means will cause national instability.
They stated that leadership changes must adhere to the provisions in the constitution.
However, their warning has been faced with criticism from various quarters who have called on them to remain apolitical.
