Commissions want hate speech mongers arrested

By Peter Opiyo and David Ochami

The Agenda Four institutions have called for a clampdown on politicians propagating hate speech.

The National Commission and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairman Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia said the anti-hate speech body would recommend prosecution for those found responsible for the vice, and called on the media to help in holding leaders accountable for their actions.

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) and Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) also demanded stern action against purveyors of hate speech and negative propaganda "to teach others a lesson".

They also want the media to deny Press coverage and airtime to leaders they accuse of threatening peace.

And the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) Chairman Andrew Ligale said its preliminary report of findings would soon be unveiled for stakeholders to discuss.

Mr Ligale and IIEC Chairman Ahmed Isaack and KLRC Chairman Kathurima M’Inoti spoke at a forum convened for all interim reform commissions and journalists by NCIC.

"Let us work together in holding leaders accountable by monitoring campaigns," said Dr Kibunjia.

He said the media experience in the 2005 referendum and the 2007 General Election would be valuable in holding leaders to account.

On his part, the Committee of Experts Chairman Nzamba Kitonga said there are adequate laws to rein in on impunity.

He said from past experiences police had been blamed for dragging investigations.