We are coming for you: Kaparo to WhatsApp admins over hate messages

Francis Kaparo has put WhatsApp administrators on notice saying they will be held accountable for fueling violence ahead of the August 8 elections.

The NCIC chairman said the commission is monitoring groups to deal with “terrible people on social media who aim to cause unnecessary tension in the country”.

“Tell administrators of WhatsApp groups fanning hate speech [that] we are coming for them,” he said, adding they are liable for hate posts circulated in groups.

His sentiments were echoed by the acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi who insisted that the government will not allow such tendencies meant to divide the country.

Communication Authority of Kenya director Francis Wangusi said that the government will be closely monitoring all communication platforms in bid to minimize instances of hatespeech which might plunge the country into chaos.

“All the platforms are under watch,be it the telecommunication platform ,we are watching them ,the media platform ,social media platforms ,so anybody who happens to send the hatespeech messages through whatever platform that you use will be able to know you and bring it down.”Wangusi said.

Kaparo said the government has identified 21 WhatsApp platforms that are encouraging incitement and hate speech.

“Some of these social media sites will be shut down,” he said during a meeting on election preparedness on Monday.

The chairman further said they are working with police on a major crackdown on individuals who misuse social media.

He asked politicians to embrace the culture of tolerance adding that the agency will ensure the law is followed.