It seems Kenyans should prepare for the spread of false information, which can escalate tension among communities, ahead of the 2022 elections. Most followers of politicians are continually becoming skilled at creating viral disinformation and harnessing networks that disseminate it. A notable case is a twitter post on June 29 by Tony Gachoka, a media personality who hosts the KTN current affairs programme “Point Blank”. He was reminiscing about the 2007-08 post-election violence.
Social media use is growing among Kenyans but the misuse of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and others is worrisome. The public are continuously bombarded with a lot of disinformation. Nonetheless, what we don’t understand is the intention of such social media users which might injure the reputations of other Kenyans. When Tony Gachoka reminds his followers about Deputy President William Ruto’s ICC case linking him to the violence and, subsequently, creates the hashtag #TangaTangaThugs, he attempts to incite the mentioned ethnic communities (Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Kamba and Kisii).
While we do not ignore the role of politicians in previous post-election violence, it would be treacherous for anyone to profile communities at a time when political realignment is going on. Information passed on social media platforms goes unregulated and unverified.
Gachoka commands huge followers and there is that likelihood that any information he posts in his social media pages would attract them and may continue with attacks on anyone mentioned in unfavorable context. Responding to Gachoka’s tweets, #TRENDSETTERKE @WaruhiuFranklin alleged that Ruto actively participated in 2007-08 violence. The question is what would be the implications of the continued allegations that Kalenjins targeted civilian Kikuyu, Kamba and Kisii?
What Gachoka posted amounted to negative stereotyping.
Gachoka’s tweet is just but one post embodying what is going on online platforms and the kind of hatred among Kenyans. With the present political realignments and the number of Kenyans attacking each other online, it is correct to call for more attention and action on online users involved in spreading fake news and hate speech in the name of making money.
The Constitution under Article 33 stipulates that there is not absolute freedom. Freedom of expression is limited by propaganda for war, incitement to violence and hate speech.
At this point in time, it necessary to state that failure to arrest the situation early might lead to the number of people misusing online platforms rising and as 2022 approaches the hatred levels would go up.
