Elections: Agencies threaten to lock out leaders over hate speech

National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Rev Samuel Kobia (centre) addresses the press accompanied by commissioners Wambui Nyutu and Dr Danvas Makori. They condemned the violence that was witnessed during a rally in Murang'a. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Some politicians may be denied the chance to contest in the August 9 polls over hate speech.

The National Cohesion and Integrated Commission (NCIC), working closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), said it would not clear those involved in hate and incitement speeches in the run up to the elections.

The agencies disclosed that they are currently working on close to 20 cases involving top politicians.

“NCIC will recommend to the anti-corruption commission not to issue integrity certificates to some senior politicians who have failed to abide by values of cohesion,” said the commission’s vice-chairperson, Wambui Nyutu.

The warning by NCIC comes barely weeks after some politicians were summoned and asked to record statements. Others have already been charged in court.

In achieving its goal of peaceful and fair elections, Nyutu said the commission had hired personnel to attend political meetings and record politicians involved in hate speech.

She dismissed claims that the commission was a toothless bull-dog, and warned that all hate and incitement cases would be speeded up.

Nyutu said Chief Justice Martha Koome had set aside four courts to deal with incitement cases, noting that this would deter incitement that has been the norm in past election years.

On his part, Patrick Maingi from Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) said that the business community was worried by the inciteful speeches being made by politicians.

He said incitement always affected investor confidence, and that the private sector was keen on peaceful campaigns and elections.

“The business sector is one of the most affected whenever there is chaos and we are keen on peaceful co-existence as we head to the elections,” he said.

Bishop John Warari, from the Inter-religious Council of Kenya, said the church was keen to use the faithful to preach peace.

“Over 72 per cent of our believers have faith in religious leaders and we want to use that window of opportunity to preach to them on peaceful elections,” he said.

Ford-Kenya Organising Secretary Chris Mandu blamed IEBC and NCIC for failing to flex their muscles against those involved in hate speeches.

“The IEBC has an election calendar but politicians have ignored this and are campaigning daily while NCIC has summoned many politicians but no action has been taken,” he said.

Since last year, a number of politicians have been summoned to appear before the commission while others have been charged in court with incitement.

Leaders who have been flagged for hate messages but have protested their innocence include Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka and Tiaty MP William Kamket.