Ombudsman joins NCIC against hate speech

By Peter Opiyo

Hate speech mongers will be put under close watch following concerns that the country has been divided along ethnic lines.

At the close of the conference on national diversity, ethnicity and race, the commission charged with dealing with public complaints rallied behind National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), saying it would help it prosecute hate-mongers.

Chairman of the Commission on Administrative Justice, Otiende Amollo, urged the NCIC to use its powers to name and shame hate speech mongers as it strives to bring national harmony.

"NCIC Act enables it to publish names of persons who propagate ethnic hate and the list of shame should be published," said Otiende.

Compliance notice

Otiende added the commission can also issue compliance notice to those it thinks have violated the NCIC Act to comply with its direction or face prosecution.

The ombudsman’s remarks come a day after NCIC Chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said the harmonisation of the country required support of courageous leaders.

"We will stand with you to ensure these people are prosecuted," said Otiende.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while opening the conference on Monday, called for urgency in unifying the country if the repeat of 2008 post–poll violence is to be avoided.

Among the functions of the Commission on Administrative Justice is to work with other commissions or State organs responsible for protection and promotion of human rights to facilitate the fundamental rights and freedoms in public administration.

Otiende’s commission is so powerful that it can investigate an administrative action despite a provision in any written law to the effect that the action is final or cannot be appealed, challenged, reviewed or questioned.

Sh1m fine

Those who propagate hate speech can be jailed for five years or be fined Sh1 million or both.

Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission CEO Patricia Nyaundi said the country must dig into its past and talk candidly about historical injustices if harmony is to be achieved.

　

Deputy Secretary General, National Council of Churches of Kenya Oliver Kisaka urged politicians to uphold religious ideals to eliminate negative competition in politics.