The Inspector General of Police in Kenya, Douglas Kanja, has asked politicians and influential people in the country to avoid making any statements that could easily divide the people of Kenya. The top police officer in Kenya stated that the police will not hesitate to act if they feel that the statements made by politicians and other influential people in the country can be considered hate speech and incitement.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion in Kenya, Kanja stated that there was an increase in politics that could easily divide the people of Kenya in recent times. He stated that this was mainly in public gatherings and through the use of social media.
Although Kanja stated that competition in politics is very important in the country, he also stated that politicians should be very careful by the choice of words they use because they have the power to easily influence their supporters.
The country has made very significant moves in uniting the people of Kenya. However, if not carefully addressed, politics could easily jeopardize the unity of the people of Kenya.
“While the 2027 elections are getting closer, we expect increased political activity and theirfore our role as the police is to be vigilant and address incitement, hate speech, and threats to national unity.”
Kanja noted that social media can spread hate speech in just minutes. It is then very difficult to keep up with events.
In dealing with the issue, the National Police Service will work together with the DCI and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in investigating the concerns and they will ensure that the offenders are taken to court through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Kanja had also pointed out the role that forensic experts within the police could play in the investigation.
In recent times, there have been about a dozen cases related to inflammatory remarks. These include hate speech, ethnic contempt, and online harassment. The cases are either undergoing the process or have gone through the judicial system.
The remarks made by Kanja are coming at a time when politics is slowly picking up in the country. This is attributed to the early political mobilization from leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
