The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has moved to proactively raise awareness what constitutes hate speech and to raise awareness of the various ways how the vice is committed as a measure to caution the public as the country gears up to the upcoming General Elections. .
Through a statement, the authority noted that hate speech is the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words, behavior or publications which are intended to cause hostility or violence incite feelings of contempt and ethnic hatred.
“Ethnic hatred is hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to religion, colour, race, nationality or ethnic origin,” the statement read.
It further stated that any person convicted for the offence of hate speech may serve a jail term of up to three years or pay a fine of up to Sh1,000,000.
According to ODPP, freedom of expression is the right to express one’s ideas, beliefs, thoughts and emotions on different issues without restriction.
The prosecutor previously threatened to take severe action against anyone, especially politicians looking to destabilize the current state of calm in the nation through careless statements.
The DPP stated that “hate speech and electoral fairness are major strategic issues” that must be controlled for national and regional stability while making reference to the present contentious political campaigns leading up to the elections on August 9, 2022.
The organisation led by Noordin Haji wants the general public to actively participate in identifying potential culprits.
“We invite you to report any cases of hate speech to investigative authorities, who will forward files to ODPP for prosecution.” the ODPP said.
Additionally, the directorate stated that “the next general election in Kenya is crucial not just for Kenya’s peace and security, but also for the entire region.”
The agency maintains that cooperation with other agencies and citizens, particularly during campaigns, is necessary to reduce the threat that hate speech poses.
