Stop hate speech on social media, Uhuru Kenyatta tells Kenyans

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked Kenyans to use social media to spread positive messages.

The President said some of the messages posted on Facebook and Twitter were alarming.

"Sometimes when I look at my Facebook and Twitter and see some comments, you wonder why we went digital. If we cannot use modern tools to fight primitive thinking, why insult each other? Why hate each other?

“I read comments from those who call themselves haters and those likers too, but people should know that after elections we should work in building the country together."

President Kenyatta was addressing Kenyans in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. He is in the United States to attend the Africa Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama.

POSITIVE SIDE

President Kenyatta hailed Mr Obama for hosting the summit, saying it had been successful in promoting the positive side of Africa and this will lead to stronger trade partnerships between the continent and US corporations.

“The negative side of Africa’s story has been given prominence for far too long. This summit gave us an opportunity to profile the positive side,” he said.

He said there was no denying that African nations have challenges but it was a fact that they were exceeded by the existing opportunities.

“There is no country that has no challenges at all. We are a continent that is ready to turn those challenges into opportunities,” he said.

On a lighter note, President Kenyatta said he personally enjoyed the trip as he got to dance to Lionel Ritchie at the White House.

“I enjoyed my trip, I danced to Lionel Ritchie in the White House yesterday and also danced to Nameless's 'Coming Home' with your children,” he said.