Media Houses Warned Against Airing Hate-Speech

Hate speech fueled Post Election violence in 2007 and that is why the The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) wants to curb the spread of hate speech by forbidding media outlets form airing hate speech.

In a statement sent to media houses, Mutua Muthusi, the director of consumer and public affairs for the CA said that

“It has come to the attention of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that some broadcast stations are taking advantage of the prevailing political situation in the country to air content containing hate speech or that may divide the country along ethnic lines. The Authority hereby wishes to remind broadcasters that the constitutionally guaranteed Freedom of Expression does not extend to spread of hate speech, propaganda for war, incitement to violence, advocacy of hatred that, among others, constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others persons or community or incitement to cause harm,” Muthusi said.

He called for responsible and responsive reporting that catered to the needs of the public in different sections of the country

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People spreading ethnic slurs on social media were also not left out and were  warned that spread of hate speech, incitement to violence and advocacy of hate would not be condoned as it was unlawful and was punishable by law.

Here is the press release