ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru. He said that there are no immediate plans to disable the internet in the country. [Photo: Daily Nation]

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The government has no intention of switching off the internet ahead of the forthcoming August 8 general election, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has said.

Mucheru said the government expects a peaceful electioneering period hence sees no need to disable the internet.

 “You have seen that this has been the most peaceful time before elections. We are talking thirty days before the elections and the country is fairly peaceful so I am not anticipating that there is anytime we are going to switch off the internet,” Mucheru said as quoted by Capital News.

However, the CS warned hate mongers that the government machinery is ready to take action on internet users inciting Kenyans to violence.

“We are very clear that as a country, we have to take care of Kenya first. Even after August 8, Kenya will continue, and so we cannot let a few people try to bring this country down in any way,” Mucheru remarked.

He added: "The government is tightening restriction on social media use ahead polls, keeping a close eye on political posts and sensational reporting on unauthenticated digital platforms such as Facebook."