DCI warns against incitement on social media amid Azimio protests
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DCI warns Kenyans against incitement and misinformation on social media ahead of Azimio protests
DCI warns Kenyans against incitement and misinformation on social media ahead of Azimio protests.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has fired a warning to the public against online incitement to violence and misinformation through social media sites.
The Directorate observed that there have been instances of platform abuse through the aforementioned, misrepresented as free speech.
It said that freedom of expression should not be used as a tool to encourage or legitimize illegal activity, saying that this has caused fear and terror.
“In this regard, the DCI wishes to advise that online incitement to violence falls out of the spectrum of constitutional protection and is criminal as per Sections 22 and 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018,” it said.
According to Section 22 (1), anyone found guilty of intentionally publishing false, misleading or fictitious data or misinformation is liable to a fine not exceeding Sh5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
Section 22 (2) limits the freedom of expression in respect of the intentional publication of false, misleading or fictitious data or misinformation that might lead to war, incite violence or constitute hate speech.
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It also touches on the intentional publication of false information that may advocate hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others or incitement to cause harm.
DCI committed to continue carrying out its mandate.
“DCI will process any lawbreakers for prosecution without fear, favour or ill will,” it said.
The Directorate lauded the members of the public who have supported them, urging Kenyans to contact them if they need to rely on any information anonymously.
The warning comes ahead of THREE-day protests called by the Azimio over the high cost of living among other national issues.
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