Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has assured Kenyans that the government will not shut down any social media platform over hate speech.

Matiang'i was speaking at the Bomas of Kenya during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission's (NCIC) 2020-2025 strategic plan on Wednesday.

The CS however asserted that the government will not delay in taking action against any individuals who infringed on other people’s freedoms.

"However, we will be very ruthless when it comes to those who interfere with others' freedoms, said Matiang'i.

Matiang'i assured Kenyans that the government will not switch off the internet as it has been witnessed in other countries, especially within the electioneering period.

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He said the government will act within the law to bring people to account. 

“We will not do things like switching off the internet, it will not happen here. We will not harass people but because we are confident, we will act according to the law and call people to account,” he added.

He reiterated that Kenya is a democratic country, and our democracy is by choice, not by force.

“This country is a democracy. We are a democracy by choice and it was not imposed on us,” Matiangi said.

A recent report by NCIC indicated increased cases of incitement, hate speech and political intolerance. 

Fred Matiang'i. PHOTO/COURTESY

NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia noted that the drums of political wars have already sounded.

He disclosed that the commission has deployed an elaborate network for detection, investigation and reporting workforce to bring hatemongers to book

The political heat during the electioneering period is known to heat up, among other vices; violence, hate-mongering and incitement.