Francis ole Kaparo blames politicians, social media utterances for rising border clashes

Nandi, Kenya: National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Francis ole Kaparo has blamed politicians and social media for escalating inter-community border conflicts in the country.

Kaparo, who spoke in Nandi County on Thursday, said politicians' unchecked utterances in public forums and misuse of social media platforms by Kenyans had fuelled tribalism and hate among communities.

"It is unfortunate that politicians and social media users have been using their influence over their communities to fuel this hate, thus causing incessant border conflicts.

"Tribalism is the major cause of escalating intolerance between communities bordering each other," said Kaparo.

HATE MESSAGES

He reminded the said parties of the illegality of spreading hate and tribal messages, and asked politicians and social media users to exercise restraint.

The NCIC chair pinpointed land as another cause of inter-community conflict.

"Land is always an emotive topic, but it is within the law for any Kenyan to buy and own land or property in any location within the country.

"We call for tolerance and acceptance among the Kenyan tribes," said Kaparo.

He had toured Kamungey location on the Nandi escarpment, on the border with Kakamega County, an area that suffered frequent disputes late last year.

Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat, who accompanied Kaparo, asked Nandi and Luhyia communities on the escarpment to practise tolerance to bring about lasting peace.