Nkaissery says govt to sponsor Bill to bar hate-mongers from contesting

Women leaders in one of the classrooms in Kajiado East constituency on September 29, 2016 during the unveiling of projects initiated by area MP Peris Tobiko. PHOTO | JULIUS MUSUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has said the government will sponsor a Bill to bar hate-mongers from contesting in elections.

Mr Nkaissery said the Bill will empower the electoral commission to bar those found guilty of hate speech from seeking elective office.

“We plan to sponsor a Bill in Parliament that will ensure those who engage in hate speech are completely barred from contesting in the next general elections,” he said.

He said it is unfortunate that leaders who make inflammatory statements are treated as heroes by the community.

The minister was speaking at a meeting in Kitengela on Thursday after a tour to unveil projects in Kajiado East constituency led by area MP Peris Tobiko.

Other leaders who attended the meeting included former Devolution minister Anne Waiguru, Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh, nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi, and MPs Cecily Mbarire (Runyenjes), Mary Wambui (Othaya), Joyce Laboso (Sotik), Naomi Shabaan (Taveta) and Janet Teiya (nominated).