The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has on Monday warned WhatsApp Group administrators against using the social media platform to fan hate.
Speaking to the press, NCIC boss Francis Kaparo cautioned the administrators that they being monitored and would be held responsible for the messages in those groups.
“We will deal firmly with administrators of WhatsApp groups being used to spread hate speech,” said Mr. Kaparo.
He added that the commision and other relevant agencies would reign down on the groups and efefctively effectively deal with those involved.
In a direct consequence, a 26 year old man charged with posting inciteful statements on his Facebook account has been released on a Sh1 million bond.
Kenyans have taken to social media where through the hashtag #Whatsappadmins they have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement.
Here are a few;
I am a #WhatsappAdmins for 63 groups. If a member posts hate speech when am off during #ElectionPreparedness do i deserve it really?
— Duke Bosire™ (@dukebosire) July 17, 2017
#WhatsappAdmins are liable for hate posts circulated in groups ???????? @ElvoKibet @IamSamiSamuel @SolomonKababu mmeskia hii stori
— Patrick Britisha (@BritishaPatrick) July 17, 2017
Funny that Francis Ole Kaparo can talk of hateful whatsapp groups when politicians who spew hatred r walking away scot-free #WhatsappAdmins pic.twitter.com/xM45CKHsZt
— Ahmedkadar (@Ahmedkadar1) July 17, 2017
#WhatsappAdmins
— SonOfApeasant (@AbednegoKE) July 17, 2017
Addressing an offender as "them" instead of "you" is the beginning of inaction. Single out the offenders Bwana Ole Kaparo.