Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has highlighted a notable decline in hate speech cases in Kenya, emphasizing that only a small number of notorious individuals continue to spread inflammatory rhetoric.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Vihiga on Saturday, Murkomen expressed satisfaction with the recent reduction in hate speech incidents. “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,” he said.
The CS stressed that the government remains committed to enforcing the law to maintain peace and unity, particularly as the country approaches future elections. He warned that political figures and leaders have a responsibility to avoid divisive language, noting that those who exploit hate speech for political gain will face consequences.
Murkomen noted that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have recommended certain individuals for prosecution. Some have attempted to block legal action by citing constitutional freedoms of speech, but the CS affirmed that “nobody is above the law.”
While he did not name specific individuals, Murkomen emphasized that investigations and legal processes would determine accountability. Any person found engaging in hate speech, regardless of social or political standing, will be dealt with decisively.
The remarks come as Kenyan security agencies intensify monitoring of public rallies, political gatherings, and online platforms where hate speech is often propagated. The NCIC has repeatedly warned that inflammatory rhetoric remains a significant threat to national cohesion.
Murkomen concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding unity and protecting citizens from divisive rhetoric, affirming that hate speech has no place in Kenya’s democracy.
