Murkomen: Hate speech has declined in Kenya, but notorious inciters persist
Murkomen expressed satisfaction that inflammatory rhetoric has reduced in recent months, highlighting progress in the fight against the vice.
Kenya has recorded a decline in hate speech, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said, noting that only a handful of notorious individuals continue to incite division.
Speaking on Saturday during a press briefing at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Vihiga, Murkomen expressed satisfaction that inflammatory rhetoric has reduced in recent months, highlighting progress in the fight against the vice.
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“I am very glad to note that in the recent past, we haven’t seen so many cases of hate speech, just a few notorious individuals known by Kenyans. And even then, they have begun to reduce their vitriol,” Murkomen said.
He added that the government will continue enforcing the law fully to ensure society operates within legal boundaries, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
Murkomen cautioned that hate speech, especially when amplified by political figures, remains a serious threat to national cohesion and stability.
Leaders, he emphasised, carry a special responsibility to foster unity and prevent divisions.
“We know that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have recommended certain people to be charged. In some instances, some of them have rushed to court to block their arrest, citing the exercise of constitutional freedoms of speech. But we continue dealing with these issues. Nobody is above the law,” Murkomen said.
The CS did not disclose the names of individuals involved, stating that ongoing investigations and legal processes would determine accountability.
He insisted that anyone found engaging in hate speech would face decisive consequences, irrespective of their political or social status.
Murkomen’s remarks come at a time when security agencies are stepping up monitoring of public rallies, political gatherings, and online spaces where hate speech often spreads.
He highlighted the need for constant vigilance, warning that even isolated instances of divisive rhetoric can escalate tensions and threaten national cohesion.
The NCIC has repeatedly stressed that inflammatory language remains a major obstacle to unity, particularly as Kenya gears up for future elections. Murkomen echoed this concern, noting that while progress has been made, the government will not allow complacency.
“Leaders have a greater responsibility to guide society in a way that promotes understanding and mutual respect. We cannot afford to ignore the dangers posed by hate speech,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS also highlighted that monitoring and enforcement are ongoing, with the government working closely with law enforcement, judicial authorities, and the NCIC to ensure accountability. He reiterated that legal action will target anyone using divisive speech for personal or political gain.
Murkomen concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding national unity and protecting citizens from the harmful effects of hate speech. “Hate speech has no place in Kenya’s democracy,” he said, underlining that the country will continue to uphold laws that promote peace, tolerance, and cohesion.
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