Kenya elections: Gov't warns social media activist

Kenya elections: Gov't warns social media activist

Kenya’s government has warned Whatsapp group Administrators  against  promoting violence by allowing spread of falsehood and hate speech on their platforms during the campaign period.

“Ultimately Kenyans will vote and will go back to work. I want to appeal to every Kenyan to stand up and shun violence. 21 days is enough time to get the peace message to the grassroots.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Francis Wangusi has warned administrators of WhatsApp groups that they will be held responsible for their groups activities.

Speaking during a stakeholders breakfast meeting on elections preparedness at Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Wangusi warned that his organization would take full charge of the cyber space.

He told press that the commission has singled out 21 Whatsapp groups that promote ‘hate speech’ whose administrators government plans to ‘deal’ with.

“Currently, we have identified 21 County WhatsApp platforms and we have indicated to their administrators that they have to take action before we deal with them,” Kaparo said.

The government also warned that group administrators will be held solely responsible for groups members spreading hate speech, rumors, misinformation and falsehood on their platform.

Director Francis Wangusi said that the government is snooping around telecommunication gadgets and social media platforms to deal with hate speech perpetrators.

“We are keeping tabs on all communication platforms right from telecommunications to media platforms to ensure that people do not abuse their right to access of information. We will make sure that the internet is up and running but we will crack down on hate mongers,” Wangusi said.

On the same issue KEPSA chairperson Vimal Shah said that the purpose of the meeting was to gauge the preparedness of the different bodies for the election.

“Ultimately Kenyans will vote and will go back to work. I want to appeal to every Kenyan to stand up and shun violence. 21 days is enough time to get the peace message to the grassroots. This week we have had the IAAF championships in the country when a Kenyan won the victory is for all of us therefore we urge Kenyans to embrace peace in different parts of the country.” Mr Shah said.

The only way current end to end Whatsup encrypted messaging can be encroached into is to get a “mole” or spy inside each of those groups.

Kenyans have however reacted angrily over the news and took to social media to express their frustrations using the hashtag #WhatsappAdmins