NCIC now targets T-shirts and lesos for hate speech, offenders face Sh5m fine

NCIC Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo (centre) addresses the press recently. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: Key proposals have been tabled by the integration commission that will see negative messages printed on T-shirts and lesos be vetted for hate speech.

The proposals which seek to amend section 13 of the National Cohesion Act 2008 will increase the scope of what is categorised as hate speech to include emblems, flags, gestures and insignia that seem to perpetuate hate mongering.

According to the amendments apart from targeting those wearing clothes carrying with them hateful messages, the fine limit will also be increased from Sh3 million to Sh5 million.

"A person who wears or engages in the display of clothing, signs, flags, emblems and insignia with the intention to incite or stir up ethnic hatred...towards a person or a group of persons or towards their property commits and offense," read the amendments in part.

It further adds that any person who commits an offense under the provided section shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh5 million.

"It is not just about speech, there are many nonverbal ways people spread hate speech and once the proposal will be effective, it will tame completely the vice," read a statement from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

It added that upon adoption, there will also be interpreters and sign language experts who will be mandated with vetting the nonverbal messages being conveyed whether voluntarily or involuntary.

The commission however noted that the proposals have been brought about by the fact that the law is currently not that effective in handling hate speech especially on social media.

"For the purposes of charging individuals with hate speech on social media the commission relies on section 13 of the Act but this has to be ammended aligned to constitution and the realities on the ground to make it effective," said NCIC.

The commission noted that in this age of technology hate speech has to be dealt in a more creative way: "...and the best way is through more positive speech."