NCIC wants stringent penalties for hatemongers

National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairman Francis ole Kaparo PHOTO:COURTESY

National Cohesion and Integration Commission has proposed tougher penalties for those engaging in hate speech and incitement to violence.

 In proposed amendments before Parliament for over two years, the commission also wants timelines for handling cases clearly stipulated.

 NCIC Commissioner Joseph Nasongo yesterday said the Bill recommends penalties to replace conciliatory laws. Severity of the penalties should also be increased.

"We are thought to be toothless because we operate under laws that neither interpret critical issues on our mandate or state penalties," said Nasongo.