NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 20 – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has denied claims that the it has summoned former President Daniel arap Moi and Matuga MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere over hate speech.
The chairman of the NCIC Mzalendo Kibunjia however said they had received complaints about remarks made by key personalities in the country, and said that the commission had already begun probing the concerns.
He further asked the country’s security agents and the District Peace Committees to ensure peace throughout the referendum period.
“For example, last week I was in Kericho talking to the District Peace Committees asking them to go to the ground and investigate any threats and hate speeches that may be made by people. It will help assure Kenyans of peace and some form of security,” he said.
He added that the commission had officially begun training the police on how to promote peace wherever they were deployed.
“We want to teach the police things on integration and cohesion so that they know how to respond to situations especially in sensitive areas. This will help make sure that they don’t do things that will worsen the situation,” he explained.
Dr Kibunjia also warned Kenyans on the consequences that discrimination on the basis of colour, tribe, religion and other social clusters would have on the country.
“This disease of talking about ‘my people’…’our people’ and people feeling more superior than others needs to be put in check. But I think Kenyans are changing and I have a lot of hope that things will change for the better,” he said citing the Rift Valley region as an example.
“No one is inciting anyone in Turkana, Narok and some parts of Nakuru yet they are part of the Rift Valley. So it’s only a small and limited area where the problem arises.”
The NCIC Chairman also commended the government for efforts taken in trying to make sure the country remained peaceful even after the referendum.
He further said the commission would in due course release its findings on personalities questioned over hateful remarks.
“We duly process complaints that come in but we don’t want to prosecute people through the media,” he said.
Early this week some sections of the media alleged that the commission had opened investigations into statements made by Mr Moi and Mr Mwakwere.
The former president’s comments are said to have been made as he was campaigning against the proposed law while the Matuga MP’s hateful observations were reportedly made when he was campaigning ahead of last week’s by-election.
