By Francis Ontomwa
Statistics released by a survey agency indicate that the number of Kenyans optimistic that the General Election will be free violence is dwindling.
When the survey was done in February 2012, 69 per cent of those interviewed registered optimism that there will be no violence in the General Election but when a fresh report was released last week by the same body, the percentage had declined to 56.
The report by Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation group (KNDR) says the decline to untamed hate speech has stirred apprehension among Kenyans in recent days.
According to Dr Bob Mbori, a researcher at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), the fear has been instigated by politicians who have retreated to their ethnic cocoons to garner support.
“This report is timely and should be an eye opener to the Government to put measures in place to work and arrest the situation,” said Mbori in an interview with The Standard.
Call for action
KNDR recommends that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) take action against hate speech mongers and any form of mobilisation that leans towards incitement.
According to the report, hate speech and tension in the electoral process will affect the economy and further constrain healing efforts.
“There is need therefore for relevant institutions to be pro-active in enforcing the necessary laws so that the country can have a credible and democratic elections as well as a peaceful transition,” read the report in part.
Prof Egara Kabaji, Director of Communication and Publishing at MMUST offers that NCIC ought to initiate rational dialogue and reach people on the ground in the quest to spread reconciliation and tolerance.
