Chiefs and their subordinates will start monitoring social media accounts, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi has announced.
It is a move likely to tame hate speech that could trigger violence as the country readies for the August 9, 2022, general election.
This comes hardly a week after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) tagged “hatupangwingwi” among 20 hate speech lexicon that would trigger violence.
This even as 12,000 chiefs across the country and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) has been revamped in readiness for the election.
Here are the key points in a joint meeting with Matiangi, his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and Chiefs on April 13, 2022.
-10,000 motorbikes to be procured as an addition to 5,000 already bought to facilitate mobility of chiefs and their assistants
-Chiefs urged to be politically neutral but firm when dealing with leaders especially in ensuring law and order
-Chiefs assured of protection from political bullying and intimidation especially for espousing official government policies
-Chiefs to monitor abuse of social media and acts of political intolerance and hate speeches
-Chiefs in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and other counties experiencing violent conflicts directed to prioritize peace talks and initiate resource-sharing talks, especially where conflicts are around land, pasture and water
-Scheme of service of NGAOs is also being improved by the government.
-Chiefs directed to be directly involved in combating Hiv/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence and teenage pregnancies
-Chiefs who abet negotiations over teenage pregnancies instead of ensuring culprits are prosecuted to be sacked and prosecuted
