Palaver
Either these MPs don’t know what qualifies as hate speech or they simply do not take the matter seriously. The MPs from central Kenya now want the National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairperson Mzalendo Kibunjia to investigate Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo for hate speech after his claim that State House is sponsoring several parties to fragment the political field.
The last time Palaver checked hate speech as far as the NCIC’s mandate is concerned is defined as statements that might result in prejudicial treatment or action against a group of people based on their race, ethnicity, cultural practices and traditions, or gender among other things.
Furthermore, if Cyrus Jirongo’s wild and unsubstantiated claims qualify as hate speech, then the nasty response from State House equally does. Among other things, the statement said: “We will not give an credence to the allegations from a political activist whose political and business history is very well known to the Kenyan public,” and “...he should be telling Kenyans what he will do to transform their lives not yapping State House, State House every time he opens his mouth.” The MPs should give Kibunjia’s office the respect it deserves!
The gods of fate certainly appear to be smiling on Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey. Not only has been spared the high drama of being an ICC suspect, but the High Court has dismissed a criminal case against him. There is now nothing to stop PM Raila Odinga from re-appointing him to the Cabinet. Palaver imagines things must be topsy turvy at the Industrialisation Ministry and Kenya Bureau of Standards as they wait to see if he will return to the helm. Should he reclaim the docket, he will have plenty on his plate including the circus at East African Portland Cement Company.
And finally...
The Government is planning to admit 50 per cent of qualified students to public universities, despite the acute shortage of qualified lecturers! Let’s not forget that the universities also have to deal with privately sponsored students yet lecturers, pay has remained stagnant and many are migrating to foreign universities. Unless the state of affairs improves, the quality of university education will be compromised.
editorial@standardmedia.co.ke
