The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Francis Ole Kaparo has warned politicians against reckless talk that could plunge the country into animosity.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after interrogating Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu in relation to incitement allegations being leveled against her, Kaparo said that the commission will not tolerate hate talk among the political class.He said that the commission is working with relevant agencies to fast-track the hate speech cases that are still pending in court.Kaparo added the commission is seeking to review the NCIC Act in order to give the commission strength in pursuing incitement cases.“We are not going to give politicians space to spew hatred and negative talk in the country and whoever engages in such behaviour will face the wrath of the law,’’ he said.Kaparo urged Kenyans not to condone politicians who propagate hatred.He said that it is time Kenyans stood together and fought tribalism, nepotism and discrimination.Kaparo further denied claims that the commission has been targeting people from certain political divides in its fight against incitement and hate speech.‘‘The fight against hate speech has not been targeting certain individuals, we work with evidence and once we have sufficient proof of the allegations, that is when we ask the police and the DPP to act,’’ he said.The commission has been under criticism with a section of politicians calling for its disbandment.The commission has often been accused of bias in taming hate mongers.NCIC on Monday interrogated Governor Charity Ngilu over allegations that she incited youth to violence following the implementation of a charcoal and sand harvesting ban in Kitui County.