EACC warns politicians of dire consequences over hate speech, integrity issues

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has warned politicians of dire consequences for spreading hate speech and violating the constitutional provisions on integrity and leadership.

EACC said some governors, deputy governors, MCAs, MPs and senators were uttering disparaging remarks which include incitement, name calling and misrepresentation of information to the public targeted at their fellow politicians or communities.

“The commission wishes to warn all the concerned persons that such conduct and public utterances are serious in nature and constitute a gross violation of Chapter Six of the constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012 among other laws,” said EACC Secretary Halakhe Waqo.

THREAT TO NATIONAL COHESION

In a notice placed in the Daily Nation on Wednesday, the anti-graft CEO said such utterances were a threat to national cohesion and a “betrayal of sovereign power donated to the elected leaders by the people of Kenya”.

Several politicians have been accused inciting the public and engaging in hate speech with some facing charges in court.

Those who have been charged in court are Gatundu MP Moses Kuria, ODM Nairobi County branch chairman George Aladwa, Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and political commentator Mutahi Ngunyi.

Mr Waqo asked all elected leaders to respect Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act of 2012, adding that whoever engages in such vices would be investigated individually and punished.

Citizens too, have been asked to hold leaders accountable for their utterances and shun and disapprove any unethical conduct by politicians.

Mr Waqo also asked Kenyans to report such cases of hate speech and incitement to the commission for prompt action.