The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) while addressing the media today (Friday) on the status of peace and political decency in the run-up to the 2022 general elections, has confirmed the commitment by the commission to fight against hate speech. 

“We will meet with key stakeholders within the investigative, prosecutorial and judicial sectors to curb any possible violence in the country. We are monitoring all TV, radio, and social media to ensure we are aware of what is going on,” NCIC Chair Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia.

Rev. Kobia further stated that the commission is in talks with the inter-religious council with whom they will meet & craft peace messages that will be read out in mosques, churches & temples to ensure the whole country receives the message of peace on a regular basis.

“We are going to publish a list of Kiswahili, English & vernacular words that constitute coded hate speech. These words will be banned from any rally, social media post & any political talk show. This will go a long way in containing hate speech,” NCIC Chair Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia

The commission has equally flagged of a peace caravan dubbed “ElectionBilaNoma” in the Western part of the country. The exercise is aimed at ascertaining the factors that are likely to trigger election violence and inform strategies for interventions.

“We want to urge the communities living in the areas of Kisumu /Kericho, Nandi/Kisumu and Kuria east boarders to maintain the peace they have enjoyed in the past, and not to allow criminals used by certain individuals to cause ethnic divisions.” NCIC Vice Chair Wambui Nyutu

The commission has pleaded with Kenyans to maintain peace in order to end perennial electoral violence.