NCIC lists six counties where hate speech is rampant

A commission has listed six counties where incitement and hate speech are widespread.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) yesterday cited Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Nakuru, Nyeri and Kilifi as counties where incitement and hate mongering were rampant.

NCIC Assistant Director Kyalo Mwengi, who is in charge of complaints, legal and enforcement, said the commission flagged the counties after a national survey.

Speaking in Eldoret yesterday during the training of police officers, Mr Mwengi expressed concern over what he described as the metamorphosis of incitement and hate speech from political rallies to social media.

“We have identified six counties where incitement and hate speech is rampant. We are embarking on training to equip the police with knowledge on how to effectively use voice recorders and camcorders to collect evidence,” he told the officers drawn from six sub-counties.

“We currently have a team that is constantly monitoring social media for purposes of identifying and recommending action against perpetrators of hate speech. We are concerned that hate is moving from social-political rallies to social media.”