NCIC Actively Monitoring Social Media Platforms To Prevent Poll Violence

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has issued a statement informing the public that it will be actively monitoring social media platforms to prevent violence at the polls.

Commissioner Joseph Nasongo said the agency will monitor WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter to clamp down on hate mongers. He cited propaganda for war, incitement to violence and hate speech as some of the aspects the agency will be looking out for.

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Speaking at the launch of “safe and responsible use of Internet guides in schools” at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in Nairobi on Saturday, Nasongo said:

“We are encouraging and appealing to the public to desist from spreading hate messages.”

“We are concerned about hate speech and ethnic content based on religions, communities, groups, and races.”

He added that the law is clear on freedom of expression and its limits. He also said his agency will be working with other authorities to curb cyber crime.

“We are asking the public to know that the law has not been suspended for the electioneering period.”

“We are monitoring social media all these to avoid conflict and violence in the country. There should be no bloodshed, death and destruction of property. No one should feel insecure during and after the polls.”

He noted that fair, credible and transparent elections could not be achieved if voters are disenfranchised with fear also instilled in them.

“I urge all Kenyans to ensure a peaceful environment for the true democratic expression and will of the people to be realized in the elections.”

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The NCC had previously sent its officials to political rallies to observe utterances made by politicians that could be seen as inflammatory. It has now gone a step further to observe the public by monitoring social media.

Other agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Public Prosecutions have reiterated the same message.