Nairobi, KENYA: National Cohesion and Integration Commission NCIC, has issued a stern warning to the propagators of ‘fake news’ through media platform during this electioneering period.
Addressing journalist on Thursday in Nairobi, NCIC chair Francis Kaparo took note of the increased numbers of emerging trend of fake news on social media that is intended to incite,misinform and manipulate public reactions.
He therefore urged the public to treat sensational news with caution and avoid making unverified conclusion without fact checking.
Mr Kaparo on the other hand,urged Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC to strictly adhere to the law stipulated in the constitution in carrying out elections exercise planned for this month.
“IEBC must recognize that there is a direct correlation between your ability to conduct free,fair and credible elections and peace and stability in this country.” Kaparo alluded.
He reinemphasized that, IEBC decisions have a direct impact on shaping the country and so they should and must get its house in order and deliver according to the expectations of the people of Kenya.
NCIC boss did not spare to warn political leaders who utters inflammatory statements that tend to divide Kenyans on tribal lines, citing the law is still clear and will catch up with them in due cause.
Demonstrators who take the law in their own hands, were also condemned by Kaparo and he ordered the security agents to take action on them.
Political leaders together with their supporters were also urged to explore alternative means of resolving the source of current impasse.
“As a commission,we are concerned with the deepening sense of anxiety, mistrust and ethnic and political intolerance that threaten to erode the gains we have made in building a cohesive Kenya Nation.Tension are rife in some parts of the country,setting Kenyans into a constant mode of fear.This,crippling the economy of Kenya.” Said Kaparo.
He further appealed to Kenyans to collectively, cultivate a culture of non-violence, respect the rule of law and tolerance for divergent opinion.
