The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has singled out 8 counties as potential hate speech hotspots as the 2022 succession politics takes shape.
NCIC Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Mohamed has singled out Kiambu, Kilifi, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kakamega and Elgeyo Marakwet as hate speech hotspots.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday, Mohamed said the commission is keenly monitoring the counties.
He warned politicians allegedly fanning hateful remarks saying that the law will not spare them out.
“Whereas as the constitution recognizes and encourages freedom of speech, we remain Kenyans that this right does not extend to incitement to violence, hate speech, propaganda for war or advocacy of hatred, he said as quoted by People Daily.
He reminded Kenyans and politicians of what happened during the 2007 general election, noting that the country’s unity must be guarded.
The NCIC warning comes as 2022 succession politics takes shape across the political divide.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is serving his last term in office and top politicians have declared interest to succeed him.
Politicians allied to the President and his Deputy William Ruto are divided on whether Mt Kenya region will back Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.
The division has resulted to the formation of Tanta Tanga and Kieleweke movements whose politicians are engaging each other in ugly political barbs.
The Tanga Tanga movement is pushing for DP Ruto’s presidency while Kieweleke is against the former Eldoret North MP’s presidential ambition.