How social media is fuelling Kenya's tribal fault lines

Tribal profiling is not driven solely by anonymous internet users but can also be fuelled by prominent political figures. [Courtesy]

Digital misinformation, social media manipulation and toxic tribal profiling are threatening to fracture Kenya’s social fabric, according to a recent report by Code for Africa (CfA) on the country’s digital ecosystem.

The report, titled Weaponised Identity and Digital Polarisation in Kenya, reveals how platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Facebook have become breeding grounds for false and inflammatory narratives.

With Kenya less than a year away from the 2027 General Election, the report warns that social media could play a crucial role in spreading divisive narratives and deepening ethnic tensions.

The report comes as agencies established to promote national cohesion and combat ethnic division, including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), face criticism over their perceived failure to act while politicians continue to use divisive rhetoric.

According to CfA, political rhetoric and isolated local disputes are being systematically weaponised online, dividing citizens and fuelling ethnic animosity ahead of the elections. “This has deepened ethnic tensions between communities. Calls for calm and dialogue from leaders and residents alike reflect a growing understanding that blame and division will only widen the crisis at a time when cooperation is most needed,” the report states.

 “Together, these narratives demonstrate how social media continues to amplify identity-based hostility, transforming local disputes, political rhetoric and security incidents into wider campaigns of ethnic division and digital polarisation,” it adds.

Minority and regional communities are frequently targeted. The Somali community, in particular, faced intense xenophobic framing on social media between 2025 and early 2026.

CfA highlighted two incidents: a physical altercation at Umma University and a security operation in which the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercepted suspected al-Shabaab combat uniforms. Rather than allowing authorities to handle the incidents independently, online actors shifted the narrative towards collective criminalisation, targeting Eastleigh and calling for mass deportations.

The report also highlights resource-based conflicts in Kitui County, where clashes over water and grazing land between Kamba farmers and Somali pastoralists triggered hostile online campaigns. Some accounts urged farmers to poison crops and water sources, demonstrating how online rumours can translate into real-world threats.

Tribal profiling, the report notes, is not driven solely by anonymous internet users but can also be fuelled by prominent political figures. It cites remarks made by an MP at a rally in Kisii County in February, which triggered anti-Indian rhetoric on TikTok and Facebook.

The report also documents a fabricated digital card falsely attributed to a prominent Senate leader, claiming that certain regions were “not for” specific ethnic groups. The post attracted more than 204,000 views on X before users challenged its authenticity.

CfA found that 85 per cent of comments examined in response to selected local disputes focused on attacking ethnic communities rather than the issues themselves. Only five per cent questioned sensational claims or sought verification.

The report warns that poor digital literacy and weak fact-checking allow manipulated information to spread rapidly.

CfA urged the Government, NCIC, social media companies, media organisations and fact-checkers to strengthen digital literacy, verify information and reject ethnic politics before clicking “share”.