The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised an alarm over the surge in cases of hate speech, and ethnic contempt witnessed during public rallies attended by President William Ruto and former DP Rigathi Gachagua.
The commission in a statement on Thursday, January 23, stated that these reckless utterances are not short of a call to war and have absolutely no place in Kenya.
“We are alarmed by the surge in deeply divisive rhetorics which verge on hate speech and ethnic contempt, that has plagued the social media platforms as well as the public rallies in the recent weeks,” read part of the statement.
NCIC Raises Alarm Over Hate Speech in Ruto, Gachagua Rallies
NCIC called for an immediate return to order and decorum in the face of rising divisive rhetoric in the country.
The commission warned that it will not stand by and allow this rhetoric to poison the nation’s peace and the fragile fabric of social cohesion.
“We therefore warn against the use and misuse of social media including hatemongers and inciters,” said the commission.
It added, “Any utterances akin to negative ethnicity are absolutely inexcusable, specifically considering that Kenya is home to over 45 ethnic groups.
The Constitution 2010, Article 33 guarantees freedom of expression, but it is very clear that the same Constitution does not guarantee freedom to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, advocacy of hatred that constitute ethnic incitement, vilification of others or incitement to cause harm based on any ground of discrimination; and the National Cohesion Act 2008 Section 13 (1) (a) and Section 62 alongside numerous other laws, unequivocally protects the rights of all Kenyans, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or political affiliations.”
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NCIC’s alarm follows recent rallies attended by President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua, where there have been exchanges of tribal sentiments and hate speech directed at either Kenyans or rival political parties.
President Ruto while speaking in Luanda, Vighiga County on January 22, accused Gachagua of attempting to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
“There are others who were given jobs to do but because of incompetence, because they understand nothing, because they love stealing and because they are corrupt. They are against unity and are trying to divide people,” he said.
Ruto Allies Launch Attacks to former DP and Mt Kenya Region
On Sunday, January 19, during a church service in Mt. Elgon, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, who was present alongside President William Ruto, criticized the Mt. Kenya electorate for their perceived attempts to dominate national politics.
Wanyama claimed that the “mountain” has slipped and will continue to slip forever, asserting that they now stand with a stronger mountain. He added that Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC merging with UDA would mark the downfall of certain political figures.
“If we all unite in one place, I tell you, we will isolate them, and it will be us against them. I have no fear in saying this because enough is enough,” Wanyama said.
“This country has more than forty-two tribes. We are not going to accept one tribe to think they have a birthright to be at the State House. When one of them gets to the State House, we allow them the space and peace to finish their terms, even if they cannot deliver. But when someone from another tribe gets in, they incite and blackmail, even if things are working.”
Also Read: Gachagua Answers Ruto After Calling Him Incompetent, Tribal & Corrupt
On his part, Daadab MP Farah Maalim while accompanying President Ruto in tour attacked youthful critics of the government, declaring that Ruto would win the next general election despite opposition.
“When you see everything progressing and then some fools say, ‘Kasongo Ruto must go.’ To hell with those who say that! Is he sitting in your mother’s or father’s seat? He is sitting in our seat, and we will re-elect him; we will deliver 99% or even 100%. We are saying Ruto will stay until 2032,” Maalim said adding unprintable insults directed towards youthful Kenyans.
Gachagua Allies on Mt Kenya Voting Culture
In response to Wanyama, Nyeri Women Representative Rahab Mukami, an ally of Gachagua, argued that some MPs, particularly from the Western region, have been inciting other Kenyans against the Kikuyu community.
“I was on the campaign trail with President Ruto, seeking votes. They never voted for him like we did, so let them stay away from our fights with the government,” Mukami remarked.
Meanwhile, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu alleged that the Mt. Kenya region is the only one that produces the best presidents compared to other regions.
“Why is it that when we have a President from the Rift Valley, Kenyans experience the worst things? They destroy the economy and oppress people. What is always the problem with a President from that region?” he posed.
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