Mombasa County Commisioner Nelson Marwa has issued a stern warning to politicians to avoid hate speech and incitement remarks likely to spark violence in the Coast region.
Mr Marwa warned politicians campaigning ahead of Malindi parliamentary seat by-elections against using hate statements that are likely to cause violence.
He said security agencies have been put on high alert to deal with leaders who are taking advantage of the campaigns to make reckless utterances and use abusive words.
Mr Marwa added that the Malindi by-election which will be held on March 7, 2016 should not be used to divide people, but should bring order and prosperity for residents.
“Some politicians have been engaging in hate speech during the Malindi campaigns. We will not tolerate this anymore,” he said.
“The government is monitoring everyone in the ongoing campaigns in Malindi. Why should you go to the public and say your opponents are using money from NYS and Standard Gauge Railway? This is an indication that you are inciting the public,” he said.
Mr Marwa who was speaking at Matsangoni in Kilifi County during a ceremony urged the politicians to instead raise development issues instead of engaging in hate speech in their campaigns.