Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i raises alarm over misuse of social media against government

Kenya: The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (MOICT) Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi has sent a message of restraint to social media users in Kenya.

Matiangi, who worriedly noted increasing trends of irresponsibility and recklessness in the use of the communication platform, said misuse of social media in the country had reached 'chronic proportions'.

He accused a section of social media users of lacking 'sobriety' and 'restraint' and slammed them 'impractical' and 'irresponsible'.

"I am genuinely concerned at rampant misuse of social media in Kenya. I have observed plain irresponsibility and recklessness in some users of these platforms. The country has gone too far in this vice and we simply have to put some level of restraint," said Matiangi.

The CS accused some social media users of using the platform to 'intentionally' assassinate the characters of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

He alleged some social media users had conspired to use the platform to maliciously disrepute the country’s executive and his Deputy.

"My ministry has noted a choreographed and sustained attempt to assassinate the characters of the President and his Deputy," said Matiangi.

The CS reminded social media users of the 'reality of practice of democracy' in new media platforms, and urged them to respect the rights of other individuals.

Matiangi said the government and its executive were ready to take criticism, but asked social media users to channel their criticism in an acceptable and responsible manner.

"Like it or not, democracy is live, even in the digital era. I, however, caution social media users against infringing on other people's rights with the poor excuse of passing a message. This government is more than ready to take criticism, just ensure the right channels and communications are used," said the CS.

Expressing worry at the stability of the country, Matiangi accused social media users of making the country vulnerable to vices like 'tribalism and hate'.

"Our country’s stability is paramount, unfortunately some social media users have turned the communication tool to a channel to fuel hate and tribalism. We have also noted personal attacks on individuals," said Matiangi.

He was speaking in Nandi County where he gave a lecture at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.