Kenya comprises people from different ethnic groups with different cultural traditions.
These social groups have common culture and dialect and they are linked by either economic, religious or family ties.
Politics in Kenya is to a great extent said to be based on tribal lines which have caused division and animosity among Kenyans due to its ethnically motivated competitive nature.
The tribal divide in the country has been expressed through social media networks.
Staunch supporters affiliated with different parties have attacked one another by creating suspicion through inflammatory statements or remarks posted online.
The offensive information incites hatred, creating tension in the country.
People still receive messages containing hate speech through peer-to-peer SMS and on social media.
Hate speech is not a new phenomenon in Kenya.
During the 2007-2008 election cycle, a sudden eruption of deadly ethnic violence was witnessed.
The rivalry between parties, use of malicious speeches, and incitement to violence spawned disastrous effects — which eventually led to political, economic and humanitarian crises.
Unfortunately, cases of unlawful killings, sexual violence, massacres, and abuse of human rights were reported to be prevalent during that post-election period.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission programmes, there are only a few days left before Kenyans head to the ballot.
Sadly, the tension is rapidly building up again as we are witnessing the everyday heated exchange of words between candidates.
Politicians who are now generating speeches or content that is inciteful have not been successfully punished.
They have only prioritised their political agendas without minding the peace that unites all Kenyans.
Moving forward, it is important to look at the underlying cause of hate speech and address them.
In Kenya for instance, tribal politics is the major cause of hate speech and this is a result of ignorance by leaders to address fundamental issues like historical injustice that comprises land, inequality and regional imbalances, economic equality and opportunities for all among others.
Finally, it is important to address instances of hate speech during the electioneering period.
Students at Rongo University.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
