Uhuru, Governors agree on formula to peaceful poll

A meeting between President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Council of  Governors has resulted in a number of resolutions aimed at ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election in 2017.

Among the deliberations made at the meeting held at State House, Nairobi, are the commitment between the national and county governments to fight the spread of inciting and hateful messages with both the President and the Governors calling for stern action against those found culpable.

The two levels of governance that security agencies have been given the full mandate, in terms of existing laws, to deal with perpetrators of hate speech and incitement according to the law.

“Particular attention and action will be taken should there be misuse of social media and vernacular broadcasters, and especially radio stations in the propagation of hate speech or incitement,” read a statement sent to media houses by State House after the meeting.

It was also agreed that security arrangements between the national and county governments will be operationalized through the launch of the County Policing Authority, which coordinates National Government and County Governments on policing issues.

The national and county governments also agreed to collaborate on speedy issuance of National Identification Cards to ensure that all eligible Kenyans have the ID cards and can participate in elections as is their constitutional right.

Among the Governors who attended the meeting include Council chair and Meru Governor, Peter Munya, Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni).

The deliberations come amidst protests by CORD leader Raila Odinga against government’s move to clamp down on social media ahead of the 2017 elections.

Raila said that the move, which was announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery on Tuesday, was a deliberate attempt to curtail freedom of expression adding that Kenyans on social media to be left to speak their mind on issues of national interest.

@benjaminwafula