NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned that foreign‑hosted social media accounts and encrypted communication platforms are posing a growing threat to efforts to curb hate speech and political incitement ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, Kanja said that while law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple cases of hate speech, inflammatory content originating from platforms hosted outside Kenya’s jurisdiction and encrypted messaging services are undermining national efforts to enforce existing laws.
“The Service remains committed to ensuring that all cases involving inflammatory utterances are investigated professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” Kanja told senators.
He highlighted ongoing investigations into hate speech, incitement to violence, cyber harassment and other inflammatory content.
Kanja explained that foreign‑hosted online accounts and encrypted platforms complicate efforts by the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to identify and hold accountable users spreading divisive or violent content.
He noted that cases often involve pseudonymous accounts and content that originates outside Kenya’s jurisdiction, making enforcement difficult under current legal frameworks.
The police boss urged for legislative reforms, stronger international cooperation, and sustained public awareness initiatives as part of a broader strategy to counter hate speech and prevent tensions from escalating into violence.
He stressed that amid rising political activity ahead of the elections, coordinated efforts will be critical to protecting national cohesion and public order.
