NCIC Warns Artistes Against Hate Speech

In a bid to stop hate speech as the country gears up for elections next year, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned that it will take stern action against musicians and media stations airing inciting songs. The Commission has said that official translations of 3 songs in contention are being done and that they will take legal action them after the review of the song is done. The Commission says it is currently reviewing 3 songs by Kamande Wa Kioi, Muigai wa Njoroge and John Demethew alleged to be bordering on hate speech. And in a move to ensure the forthcoming elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere, NCIC in partnering with political parties has organized a 3-day workshop in Naivasha to enlighten them on hate speech during campaigns. The workshop will be held between 1st and 3rd July this year in Naivasha. The workshop will see about 50 representatives from political parties attend. The Commission was set up after the highly contested 2007 Presidential elections that resulted to tribal crashes leaving at least 1300 people dead and almost half a million others displaced. The Mzalendo Kibunjia led Commission has taken the step after a public outcry over music being used by musicians to campaign for their favourite candidates while allegedly spreading hate against other presidential contestants. In the 2007/08 post poll chaos, vernacular radio stations and artistes were blamed for inciting communities against each other. The Commission is ...