NCIC Goes After 36 Political Bloggers for Spreading Hate Speech Ahead of August Elections

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is investigating 36 political bloggers for allegedly spreading hate speech ahead of the August 9th elections.

The commission says the targeted bloggers are affiliated to both Azimio La Umoja and the Kenya Kwanza political camps, which are headed by ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto respectively.

Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia said the unnamed bloggers are notorious for spreading hate speech messages on their social media platforms.

“The 36 are closely being monitored and the Commission is currently investigating them with the aim of ensuring that they will be presented in court,” said Kobia.

Kobia indicated that nine bloggers have already been charged with the offense of hate speech while 27 will be arraigned once the commission completes investigations against them.

“Once the Commission is done, the Commission will make their names public,” he added.

The commission will also be seeking to have their accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms suspended.

Last month, NCIC mapped out 25 regions that are potential hotspot regions for violence before, during and after the forthcoming elections.