Eldas MP Adan Keynan interacts with his constituents in
Eldas town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Eldas MP Aden Keynan has expressed confidence in strengthening the fight against hate speech, saying lawmakers will give a report to end the vice.
The National Assembly's Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity has prepared a report on the fight against hate speech, incitement and divisive politics.
The report is currently under debate in Parliament.
Keyna said proposed reforms will equip the National Cohesion and Integration Commission with stronger legal and institutional tools to effectively deal with individuals who promote ethnic hatred and inflammatory rhetoric.
Among the proposals contained in the report are tougher penalties for persons found guilty of hate speech and incitement, clearer definitions of prohibited conduct, and enhanced investigative and enforcement powers for the NCIC.
The reforms also seek to improve coordination between the commission, the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in investigating and prosecuting offenders.
Speaking on Monday, Keynan said Kenya can no longer afford to tolerate leaders who incite citizens through reckless and divisive rhetoric, warning that the country has previously paid a heavy price for irresponsible political utterances.
"The report will greatly help the NCIC and the country at large in confronting hate speech and incitement. Parliament should move with speed to adopt it so that individuals found culpable of promoting hate speech, ethnic profiling and incitement are held accountable," he said.
"We must never allow ourselves to return to an era where hate speech, ethnic profiling and inflammatory language are used as tools for political mobilisation. No political ambition is worth sacrificing the peace and cohesion of our nation," he added
He said the proposed legal reforms will safeguard national unity by ensuring those who threaten peaceful coexistence are brought to justice.
“It's indeed the highest time the committee brings the report so that we adopt it and indict those individuals who are dividing our nation,” he said.
The MP questioned the selective application of the law, insisting that all Kenyans should be treated equally regardless of their political standing.
"I am surprised, as an elder and as a person who has been around, whether the law applies to particular individuals or whether fidelity to the rule of law, which is a constitutionally enshrined principle, is supposed to apply to everybody," he said.
He lamented that some political leaders had repeatedly made derogatory remarks against communities and individuals without facing legal consequences.
"There are ignorant people in this country who are not familiar with the making of the nation-state. Kenya is a collection of tribes, and we know the history."
"What is surprising is that there are individuals who have called leaders in this country names; others have been called all sorts of derogatory names. Where are these agencies that are supposed to deal with individuals with criminal minds who are dividing Kenyans along tribal lines? Where are the investigators? Where are the police? Where is NCIC?" he posed.
Keynan said Kenyans should reject politics anchored on tribalism, intimidation and regional divisions.
"No amount of intimidation will be allowed in modern-day Kenya. As Kenyans, we will continue to thrive and continue to function. We are law-abiding citizens."
"To those who are out there threatening people, I can tell you that modern-day Kenya has no place for tribalists, regionalists or evil-minded individuals. Let the country function and let the President work for the people of Kenya."
The MP also reiterated his support for President William Ruto, expressing confidence that he would secure a second term in next year's elections.
"Our diversity is our greatest strength, not a tool for political manipulation. Let us reject divisive politics and instead champion unity, peaceful coexistence and issue-based leadership that advances the aspirations of every Kenyan, regardless of ethnicity, region or background," he said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan interacts with his constituents in
Eldas town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Eldas MP Adan Keynan during a development tour in Eldas town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Eldas MP Adan Keynan during a development tour in Eldas town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
