Minister warns over hate on social media
What you need to know:
- He said abuse of social media by bloggers had reached chronic levels and this needed to be contained.
- He urged Kenyans not to use Twitter and Facebook to settle political differences but instead use the Internet for constructive criticism.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has cautioned Kenyans against using social media to promote hatred and ethnic animosity.
He said misuse of social media could plunge the country into chaos and cause further divisions among various communities.
“Although the government does not deny Kenyans rights to use social media after passing of the new Constitution, it should not be misused by bloggers,” warned Dr Matiang’i Tuesday in Kapsabet, Nandi County.
He said abuse of social media by bloggers had reached chronic levels and this needed to be contained.
He urged Kenyans not to use Twitter and Facebook to settle political differences but instead use the Internet for constructive criticism.
“Use of social media is not a licence to abuse other Kenyan and promote tribalism in society but for the good of all Kenyans,” said Dr Matiang’i.
Social media was cited as a contributory factor to the 2007/ 2008 post-election violence as well as recent demonstrations against the government.
Dr Matiang’i, however, said the government was not out to kill media freedom in the country.
