Kenyans and politicians, in particular, have been put on notice to mind their tongues that sometimes put the lives and property of others in jeopardy every election cycle.
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i says the National Cohesion and Integration Commission will not be lenient on those who preach hate and that a multi-agency task force has been formed to ensure violent free elections in 2022.
With just over 12 months left to the next general elections, the political alliances are taking shape and for many Kenyans the unsettling feeling of uncertainty every election cycle.
“The attendant brands of battle have already begun to sound. It remains a blemish on our national world and our democracy that the regular exercise of our right to vote is so often characterized by divisive and hateful statements,” said Justice Philomena Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice.
Bringing those perpetrators to book an end to the current violence will require a multi faceted approach.
“We have now build a very strong multi-agency team that is working on the preparations for the general election. We are more prepared than we were in 2017 and 2013,” said Dr. Fred Matiang’i, CS for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government
In chain that requires or place active participants NCIC says they seek a key partner to play their role effectively.
“We look forward very much to the support of the judiciary particularly when it comes to dealing with the offenders or hit mongers,” said Samuel Kobia, Chairman-NCIC
“We shall not be the weak link in this one. We shall deliver justice timelessly,” said Justice Philomena Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice.
Though a key figure in the fight against intolerance and hate speech in the country the Judiciary says it needs all other key stakeholders including the NCIC to provide key evidence and that would provide convictions once cases are presented before it.
Anything less than cogent evidence will not suffice and we shall not condemn people unheard,” said Justice Philomena Mwilu, Deputy Chief Justice.
We wanted to assure you that we will prepare these cases well and therefore we look forward to your support,” said Samuel Kobia, Chairman-NCIC
Matiang’i also warns that he will not hesitate to use sufficient force to curb violence anywhere in the country.
“We are a mature country. We are not going to do some of those things that you hear people do in some funny places on earth like turning off the Internet or Twitter and so on. No, because Kenyans are disciplined people and we believe they are going to be. But of course, that does not mean that we’re not ready to enforce responsibility and call people to account. We have sufficient laws, we have solid institutions, evidenced by our own judiciary. We are now ready to play our part collaboratively with others to ensure that our country goes through this exercise very peacefully,” Dr. Fred Matiang’i, CS for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government
The government has begun meeting with key figures who will map out potential hotspots in the county as part of the new 2021-2025 NCIC Strategic plan themed, Elections Bila Noma.
