NCIC to Release a List of Banned Words Regarded as Hate Speech in Kenya

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is set to publish a list of words that constitute coded hate speech.

NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia says the publication of the banned words that may fuel up ethnic tension is part of the commission’s efforts to curb hate speech incidents ahead of the August 9th elections. The words will be banned from political rallies and talk shows.

The official noted that some politicians and members of the public carelessly use the terms without considering their effect on the country's political atmosphere.

“We are going to publish a list of Kiswahili, English, and vernacular words that constitute coded hate speech,” Kobia said ruing a media briefing in Nairobi on Friday.

“This will go a long way in containing hate speech and ensuring that our nation is secure during the electioneering period.”

In collaboration with the law enforcement agencies, NCIC is also monitoring radio and TV stations as well as social media platforms to curb any hate speech and possible political violence in the country.

“We are also in talks with the Inter-religious Council of Kenya with whom we will meet next week to craft peace messages that will be read out in churches, mosques, and temples to make sure the whole country receives messages of peace on a regular basis,’’ said Kobia.

At the same time, Kobia confirmed ODM leader Raila Odinga will appear before the commission once he returns from his trip to the UK over ‘madoadoa’ remarks he made in Wajir County recently.