Hate speech, incitement fears rise ahead of 2027 polls

The contestation on whether President William Ruto will earn a second term in office or not is quickly degenerating into inflammatory remarks bordering on hate, akin to what stoked violence in the now-infamous post-election violence of 2007 and 2008 in Kenya.

The Eastleigh Voice dug instances in which top politicians have made remarks bordering on hate against certain communities, and have gone scot free, while calls to apprehend others who do the same grow louder.

In January, Ruto's allies sparked uproar after they told Kenyans in no uncertain terms that they will rig the 2027 election if it does not go their way.

Speaking during a public rally, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi vowed to do everything within their powers, including fixing elections, to secure Ruto's second term.

"Wewe umewahi kusikia wapi mtu amekuwa rais term moja? Hakuna mahali Ruto anaenda... Hata kama hazitoshi, tutaongeza!" Sudi declared.

His remarks were echoed by other leaders, among them Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Rongai MP Paul Chebor, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, and Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap, who attended a church service at Kiamunyi AIC in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County.

Last week on Saturday, it was Sudi who came out to slam former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his controversial sentiments on the 2007/2008 violence.

In a brief video shared by the MP, Sudi cautioned Gachagua against inciting Kenyans by making 'careless' and 'reckless' sentiments regarding the post-election chaos.

While hitting out at the former DP, the Kapseret lawmaker claimed Gachagua's careless and disparaging comments on such a critical matter justified his impeachment by the Senate last year.

"Please, do not talk about 2007/2008, it seems you do not know what you are saying. Our people suffered what has never been witnessed. Ask for votes, criticise all government officials, but do not engage in the 2007/2008 conversation. You are becoming too reckless; you are not a leader. That is why you are a half-term DP," warned Sudi.

Sudi went on to urge Gachagua to be mindful of his remarks, noting that the 2007 post-election crisis had far-reaching consequences for many Kenyans who are yet to heal from the political upheaval.

The legislator's comments come hours after the former DP warned that any attempts by President William Ruto's administration to rig the 2027 elections could plunge the country into chaos.

"With the mood in the country, if that IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here, I want to tell you that 2007 will look like a Christmas party," the former DP claimed.

He went on to add: "I want to tell those commissioners to be Kenyans and to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work. The people of Kenya will not accept it, people want change, and they are ready for change."

In March, Ruto's personal aide Farouk Kibet slammed the President's critics who have been stating, ''Ruto is a one-term president".

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• Hate speech
• incitement fears rise ahead of 2027 polls

In January, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned MPs Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Mwago Amos Maina (Starehe) over accusations of making statements likely to incite hostility and undermine national unity.

The remarks in question are said to threaten the peaceful coexistence of Kenyans, particularly along political and ethnic lines.

Wanyama is under investigation for remarks he made during an interdenominational prayer event at Cheptais Boys' High School in Bungoma County on January 19, 2025.

His alleged statements included divisive language such as, "Hiyo mlima iliteleza na itateleza milele.......sisi wote tukiungana mahali pamoja nawaambia we will isolate them, it will be us against them......na mimi sina uwoga kusema hivyo."

According to the NCIC, such utterances potentially violate Section 13(1)(a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which prohibits statements capable of inciting feelings of contempt, hatred, or hostility, particularly among groups with differing political views.

"Words which are likely to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination, affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic communities in Kenya, contrary to Section 13(1) (a) and Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act," said NCIC.

Similarly, Mwago is being investigated for comments made at a public forum, where he allegedly linked past presidencies to tribal biases and controversial events while endorsing a specific leader for the presidency.

In part of his statement, he allegedly said, "Wakati wa Moi mambo ya corruption ikaingia... sasa wakati wa huyu mutu mwenye alichoma watu Kiambaa amefwatwa na damu ya vijana."

The NCIC claims that Mwago's remarks, which referenced historical injustices and bloodshed, breach both Sections 13(1)(a) and 62 of the Act by fostering divisive rhetoric and inciting discrimination.

Embaksi North MP James Gakuya believes the justice system has been weaponised to target State critics. "We have had sentiments made by Sudi where he told the public that they would use every means to make sure that they would be in power. These are inflammatory statements made in the presence of the Head of State. When such are made elsewhere, it becomes an issue," said Gakuya.

Political Analyst Samuel Owida warns that all politicians, irrespective of their political affiliation or camps, must tread carefully so as not to stoke violence through reckless utterances.

"We know that the pursuit of power is sometimes emotional. It is, however, in the interest of stability in the country for all politicians in the country to desist from inflammatory utterances," said Owida.