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National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) yesterday  warned that it will deal firmly with incitement and hate speech suspects.

Vice-chair Wambui Nyutu said for a long time, NCIC has been termed as a toothless dog, which barks but does not bite but this time things will change.

Nyutu said the commission had sought collaboration with other government agencies among them the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Judiciary to ensure those who contravene the law face justice.

“NCIC does not have the mandate to prosecute that’s why we sought the hand of other agencies to prosecute the cases,” she said.

She said as next year’s elections approach, the commission was leaving nothing to chance.

Hate gadgets

She said the decision by Chief Justice Martha Koome to establish five courts to deal with hate speech cases was a boost for NCIC.

“Anyone, regardless of their status, who will be caught inciting people will be charged in the court of law,” said Nyutu.

“We are going to ensure there is peace before, during and after the elections because we want the people to remain united,” she added.

She revealed that the commission had acquired gadgets which will he used in monitoring conversation on social media platforms saying this one of the avenue likely to be used to incite people.

The gadgets, she said, would be able to identify people who use psuedo-accounts to spread hate messages.

In an initiative to spread the message of peace, Nyutu said the commission has launched a movement dubbed “Vijana bila kabila” which will be going around the country to preach peace.

“Young people are the ones used by politicians to cause chaos and if we are able to capture them, our mission shall be successful,” she added.