Kenyans in the habit of sharing inciting materials on social media platforms risk a sh1 million fine or a five-year jail term in a raft of new proposals.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in tandem with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) have drafted the new rules to tame loose tongues that would otherwise ignite chaos during this campaigning and electioneering period.
The proposed rules to police social media have put emphasis on political content posted.
“All social media shall be written using a civilized language that avoids a tone and words that constitute hate speech, ethnic contempt and incitement to violence,” says CA.
It adds that: “All comments shall be polite, truthful and respectful.”
The proposed raft of laws will also require anyone posting political content on Facebook, WhatsApp, and blogs to identify themselves and state of or not they have any political leanings.
In addition, those publishing content on any social media platform have a daunting task of authenticating and validating sources as well as the truthfulness of their content to avoid a situation where wrong information goes out and sparks chaos.
“Content authors shall be committed to honest and correct in their content publishing,” reads a proposal in the draft regulations.
In particular, the new raft of proposed laws have emphasized on the governable use of social media upon the realization that it has provided a platform for hate mongers to incite, intimidate, disrespect and more drastic; raise tension among communities.