Garissa leaders have warned that rising cyberbullying and personal attacks against politicians on social media could inflame tensions and undermine peace as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders, speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Garissa High School, called for issue-based campaigns and urged young people to resist being used to advance politicians’ personal interests.
Governor Nathif Jama, youth leader Nasteh Farah, Garissa Peace Committee secretary Hassan Osman Shurie and County Commissioner John Cheruiyot condemned the use of insults and abusive language in political debates, warning that unchecked online hostility could spill over into communities.
Jama said political competition should focus on manifestos, policies and development plans rather than personal attacks against opponents.
“There is no need to attack other people by resorting to name-calling. These individuals who are doing this have absolutely no place in our society,” he said.
The governor challenged politicians and their supporters to explain what they intended to deliver to voters instead of seeking to discredit those with opposing views.
“There is no need to do politicking by abusing or trying to shake the other person. Do your politicking. Say your manifesto, say your story if you have any,” Jama said.
He said he had spent 15 years in politics without resorting to personal attacks and urged leaders to uphold civility as political mobilisation intensifies.
“You don't have to malign other people's names for you to achieve anything. That is stupidity, if you ask me. We want to have civilised politics,” he said.
Jama called on security agencies to remain vigilant and act against individuals whose conduct threatened public order.
“Our security officers should remain alert and go for these individuals,” he said.
Farah said young people were particularly vulnerable to being drawn into online confrontations and urged them to support their preferred candidates without harassing political opponents.
“On behalf of the youth, I want to join in calling out anyone who is using social media wrongly to attack and abuse leaders or politicians whom they don't support,” he said.
He warned that those engaging in online abuse could face legal consequences, urging young people to exercise restraint and avoid circulating abusive messages.
“If you want to support a particular candidate, kindly do so with civility. You don't have to abuse anyone or resort to name-calling,” Farah said.
He also cautioned young people against allowing politicians to exploit their influence on social media for personal gain.
“We should also not agree to be used by self-seeking politicians who only want to advance their interests,” he said.
Farah urged the youth to take the lead in promoting peaceful campaigns as the election approaches.
“As the campaigns gain momentum, let us be in the forefront in preaching peace, but not being the ones to be used to cause mayhem and destabilise security,” he said.
Shurie said personal insults and verbal attacks could deepen existing divisions and trigger tensions, particularly in a community he described as fragile.
“Peace is important before, during and after the elections. Such acts as abusing leaders and resorting to personal attacks are among the things that can easily lead to insecurity,” he said.
He warned that minor disagreements could escalate into larger disputes if left unchecked.
“We know very well that ours is a fragile community and something small can easily degenerate into something big,” he said.
Shurie said the Garissa Peace Committee would continue working with security agencies to safeguard stability and ensure that anyone found threatening public order was dealt with in accordance with the law.
County Commissioner John Cheruiyot also warned that authorities would act against people found engaging in online conduct that jeopardised security.
“The law is very clear on some of these things. So when you resort to cyberbullying, insults, and personal attacks targeting politicians on social media, then you should know that the law will deal with you accordingly,” Cheruiyot said.
Instant analysis
Garissa leaders’ warning highlights the growing risk of online hostility as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections. Social media has widened political participation, but insults and personal attacks can deepen existing divisions, particularly in communities with fragile security environments. The challenge is to curb cyberbullying without suppressing legitimate political criticism. Leaders must promote issue-based campaigns, while security agencies enforce the law fairly and protect freedom of expression.
