There is a worrying proliferation of hate speech and incitement by politicians in the run-up to the elections set for August next year. However, those who violate the Electoral Code of Conduct and break electoral laws should never be spared.
To curb the increasing inflammatory rhetoric, key government bodies have just launched a multi-agency team. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have warned that the culprits risk disqualification from the ballot.
The other agencies involved in this campaign to curb divisive politics are the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the National Police Service (NPS), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Communications Authority (CA).
The joint high-level team will conduct real-time monitoring and carry out arrests and prosecutions. The political conduct in recent months is being seen as a threat to national stability, hence the need to crack down on hate speech, incitement and electoral misconduct.
The culprits face heavy fines and criminal charges under the electoral laws and code of conduct. Politicians inciting the people or spreading hate have been strongly warned that they risk being disqualified as candidates. Already targeted are 15 politicians suspected of breaching electoral laws.
This comes amid growing concern over the rise in inflammatory rhetoric at political rallies and on social media that is threatening national cohesion. There is a need to fight political intolerance and the use of social media to spread fear among Kenyans as the country appears headed in the wrong direction.
The agencies should stridently promote national unity and peaceful coexistence to ensure credible, violence-free elections. They should investigate and prosecute those suspected of hate speech, ethnic incitement and electoral violence.
It is time to shun empty talk and go after all the hatemongers irrespective of their political affiliation.