Uwiano Platform for Peace flag 31 cases of hate speech on social media
The Uwiano Platform for Peace has flagged thirty-one cases of hate speech on social media.
The platform has also urged Kenyans who believe their peace is in danger to report such circumstances by texting 108 and 1547 prior to the elections in August 2022.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairperson Samuel Kobia indicated that in order to ensure the safety of all Kenyans from all walks of life.
“We are accountable for safeguarding the peace and cohesion for the prosperity of all Kenyans from all walks of life,” Kobia said.
He claimed that there have been areas of increased tension in Kenya with thirty-four days left before citizens cast their votes in the crucial elections.
Kobia noted that “hate speech and ethnic scorn with politicians stoking ethnic sentiments through public speeches and social media posts have been on the rise” have contributed to the tension.
Uwiano expressed concerns over the ongoing effort by some Kenyans to undermine the legitimacy of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“Individuals running accounts that participate in campaigns aimed at discrediting institutions such as the IEBC, using disinformation and propaganda to be identified and prosecuted,” Kobia said.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), IEBC, Peace, and Development Network Trust (PeaceNet), National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management (NSC) (co-chair), NCIC (co-chair), and the National Police Service (NPS) are among members.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the Council of Governors (CoG), and the UN Women are among the organizations that support gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The main goal of the Uwiano Platform is to develop and oversee programs for Kenyan conflict prevention and peace building, particularly those related to elections.
