Cohesion team receives 3,000 SMSs on hate speeches

A nationwide alert has been sounded over tension and the likelihood of violence ahead of the August 4 vote.

The “threat of violence is real” as the campaigns for and against the proposed constitution enter the last seven days, a National Cohesion and Integration Commission official, Ms Alice Nderitu, told reporters at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel on Sunday.

The commission has so far received 3,000 SMS reporting incidences of violence, hate speech and other activities that threaten peace. “It’s tense but manageable... but it’s only manageable to the extent that the law enforcement officers don’t work alone,” said Ms Nderitu.

Another commissioner, Mr Halakhe Waqo, said “civic and political education” had caused confusion, giving rise to the tension.

Coalition to prevent violence

The commission, together with the United Nations Development Programme, the National Steering Committee on Peace-building and Conflict Management, and PeaceNet, a civil society organisation, has formed the Uwiano coalition to prevent violence in the country.

This comes as the Government last week announced a three-stage security plan in Rift Valley that includes gathering intelligence and sending reinforcements to select police stations. Altogether, the government expects to deploy 15,000 additional officers.

Mr Waqo said the increased security had been providing adequate protection, especially in IDP camps. “Some are even concerned that there are large numbers of security forces in their areas,” he said.

These assurances have not assuaged all fears, especially in the 29 hotspots identified in a recent PeaceNet survey. The Uwiano coalition has received more than 3,000 text messages sent for free to SMS number 6397.

The coalition put Kericho, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kuresoi, Kuria, Mount Elgon, Kapenguria, Chepareria, Narok, and Turbo on the watchlist. “Tension is increasing between Kericho and Kisumu as communities move to their comfort zones,” said PeaceNet’s boss Mutuku Nguli.

At the news conference, the Uwiano coalition said it was investigating Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo and Waweru Mburu of Citizen Radio for alleged hate speech and incitement.

Mr Mburu’s radio show has inspired at least 22 text messages, with Mr Nguli saying the “show was not helpful in reconstructing the divide” between the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ sides. The coalition is currently collecting evidence and has promised to recommend action “soon.”

Uwiano also called for joint dialogue and community engagement to help defuse tension. “We’re responding to minimise the escalation of violence and give people a sense of safety and security,” said UNDP’s peace adviser, Dr Ozonnia Ojielo.