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Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has claimed that TikTok is the major platform used by criminals to spread and generate propaganda for war expressing dissatisfaction with the platform’s non-compliance with Kenyan laws.

Addressing the Public Petitions Committee on Thursday, March 21, 2024, the CS claimed that the app poses a threat to national security and that the government had written to the platform owned by Chinese company, ByteDance Limited, to express its displeasure with its non-compliance with the country’s laws as agreed.

CS Kindiki additionally stated that should the company fail to respond, the country would take action, however, he stated that the government would consult the company’s management and subsequently assess and weigh the risks and the benefits.

“I don’t think we’re in a position to declare the dangers outweigh the benefits. It’s a bit premature. We should work out a program where we have a policy that is evidence-based to assess whether the risks are more prominent than the benefits,” CS Kindiki said.

“It will be premature. What we’re doing right now is a procedural requirement by law. Whatever the measures the government will take is administrative action and there’s a procedure including listening to those affected,” he added.

While faulting the platform for enabling illegal activity, the vocal CS also pointed out that criminal groups were flocking to the Chinese-owned social media platform to spread malicious content, propaganda and threats which he says endanger public safety and security.

“All social media platforms including TikTok have become impossible and a real theatre for misuse by criminals to endanger public safety and security. TikTok and other media platforms are increasingly being used to spread malicious content which is illegal and wrongful and a violation of fundamental rights,” Kindiki said.

The CS added that the terror groups invading the app also use it to spread fear among people and communities. He also said the groups including the famous Al Shabaab who already exist on other platforms such as Facebook are spreading war propaganda causing unrest in society.

CS Kindiki further claimed that terror attack groups are using the platform company  to spread fear among people and communities

“The platforms are also being used to spread propaganda including propaganda for war, terrorist groups including the famous ones in our corners are using TikTok and other media platforms to generate propaganda for war and propaganda to advance the ideology of terror,” Kindiki added.