KNCHR accuse Atwoli for hate speech

With 5 days to the referendum, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has launched a Referendum Campaigns Monitoring Report which exposes hate mongers and use of state resources during referendum campaigns.

The report contains the findings of the KNCHR which were compiled during the campaign rallies between the 22nd May and 29th of this month where various politicians have been captured on video fanning hate speech in their campaign rallies.

MPs Bare Duale, Cyrus Jirongo and COTU secretary General Francis Atwoli are among those implicated in hate speech.

Releasing the report, KNCHR Chairperson Florence Jaoko said there was growing tension in various parts of the country in the run to the referendum.

The commission monitored over 80 referendum related events in all the regions countrywide and noted persistent issuance of threats in parts of Rift Valley and Nyanza provinces. The report identifies the most affected areas as Kuria, Molo, Aldai, Tinderet, Muhoroni, North Mugirango (Sotik/Borabu border), Kwanza and Eldoret West.

Jaoko said some residents had abandoned their homes in fear of renewed violence like what was witnessed after the 2007 general election.

Jaoko faulted the police of not taking action despite complaints lodged by residents and the commission.

"In Kuria, direct threats by some civic leaders from members of the Yes campaign have yet to be acted upon despite complaints being lodged at the local police station" said the chair.

She indicted both the Yes and No teams for failing to respect the mandate of the Kenya electoral body, IIEC.