Police officers in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River counties will receive recorders and cameras to document hate speech.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has equipped and trained 40 officers to help monitor hate speech as the country prepares for next year’s general election.
In addition to the officers, the commission plans to deploy staff in all constituencies to monitor every political rally, funeral and social gathering to nab those spreading hate speech.
Speaking to the press after the training in Garissa town yesterday, commissioners Roba Sharamo and Aden Mohamed said the NCIC is determined to ensure individuals and political parties abide by the rules for peaceful co-existence.
Sharamo said the commission is not only following politicians, but also individuals whose words may incite violence.
He asked politicians campaigning for the Malindi and Kericho by-elections to avoid hate speech.
Sharamo said the commission will not hesitate to arrest anyone inciting wananachi, regardless of their status.
Mohamed said the NCIC is also concerned about the ongoing voter registration.
He said it has noted anxiety in some constituencies and wards.
“Voter registration should be done in a peaceful manner. We have seen politicians trying to build up their voting blocs. While we are not against that, we urge them to do it within the confines of the law,” Mohamed said.
The commission held a similar meeting in Nairobi with the Inspector General of Police, the judiciary, the Chief Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
