MPs want parliament to govern use of social media

Two Members of Parliament, Stephen Mule (Matungulu) and Sammy Seroney (Nominated) now want the National Assembly to come up with laws that will help govern the use of social media.

Speaking in Parliament during House proceedings on Wednesday, the Wiper Democratic Party MPs strongly criticised the manner in which Kenyans use social media platforms to “spread malicious, false and hurting information” about others.

They took issue with how rumors about the late Nyeri governor Wahome Gakuru were spread moments after his death.

“We need as members to come up with laws to deal with the social media, as an MP, even before you know your fate, you are already condemned death by the social media,” said Mule. “I know it is within the powers of this house, without fear or favour, to deal with such issues within the law. I want to urge the public please don’t misuse social media to harm other families. Governor Wahome has a family.”

The nominated MP lamented how social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter “have become a room for speculation and hatred.”

“We need to look into this issue of social media as a house. I got shocked when I read some funny things about the late governor. If we don’t get a way of putting our speed governor on this social media it will destroy this country, it will destroy all of us,” added Seroney.