Local media houses that incite the public put on notice

Media outlets that incite the public along ethnic lines will face censorship, the Government has warned.

Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior Fred Matiang’i (pictured) said the fresh focus on county-based media outlets has been made necessary by the need to tame fighting among various tribes.

Speaking during a meeting with the Marsabit Interfaith Delegation on peace, Dr Matiang'i said some of the outlets have been spewing hate messages that have continued to incite ethnic violence.

He said such outlets will now be closely watched to ensure they operate within the laid down regulations.

According to State figures, tribal violence in Marsabit has claimed 40 lives since September last year.

The Interfaith Delegation on peace that had been led in the meeting by local clerics had raised concern that some radio stations were being used to preach ethnic hatred.

At the same time, Matiang'i said social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter will also be closely monitored for hate messages.

He added that he will lead a government delegation to Marsabit where he will meet political and religious leaders to discuss a lasting solution towards peace.

He noted that involvement of community elders is a good step towards solving long-standing disputes that are a source of the violence.