- Kenyans expressed their anger about the conversation between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua
- The National Equality and Integration Act outlines the consequences that individuals who engage in hate speech face.
- Kenyans criticized the president for condescending to insult the public, saying his actions misled the public
Kenyans have expressed their concern about recent bad behavior from the political class ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
President William Ruto and his chief critic, former deputy Rigathi Gachaguahave been exchanging insults in public meetings to promote their agenda before the elections.
Does the Constitution provide for freedom of expression?
Although the 2010 Constitution of Kenya allows for freedom of expression, it does not provide the absolute right to use abusive language even among political leaders.
Laws require balanced expression and respect for the rights and qualities of other citizens.
According to the Constitution Institute, “Our Constitution does not shield free speech from advocating discrimination based on disability, medical condition (such as having HIV), place of origin, or any other personal factor.”
However, these are some of the areas where leaders have been insulting, shaming each other and making serious claims, including murder, to their perpetrators, perhaps for publicity and surveillance, without knowing the damage caused by their statements.
Recent actions have raised serious concerns about the misuse of the constitution, as they appear to be based on discrimination and may lead to racial incitement, insults to others, or incitement to cause harm.
In accordance with the Law of Proportionality and National Integration regarding hate speech, individuals who use threatening, insulting, or abusive words or behavior, or display any text, are subject to punishment.
“Any person who commits an offense under this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment not exceeding three years or to both,” the law says.
With these remarks coming amid the struggle for unity and equality in the country, several Kenyans have also called for them Ruto and Gachagua focus on peace before the elections.
How did Kenyans react to Ruto-Gachagua’s insults?
Asher Omondi
“A whole former deputy president who wants to head this great country just body-shamed a fellow man, calling him malnourished. This is below all the standards.”
Nyakwach Vincent
“The presidency shouldn’t be reduced to such levels.”
Ummul Hakim
“Ruto has officially entered the league he was invited to… too bad that he forgot he has the title president. Is he really a symbol of national unity?”
Joseph Karumba
“A symbol of national unity should not sink that low.”
Munyobi Dismas
“As Kenyans, we only have one mission in 2027.”
Geoffrey Odhiambo
“Leaders should behave with decorum. There is no point to such insults, whether out of anger or not. Whatever they say sets the pace for citizens.”
Why did Ruto lose weight?
Meanwhile, in the previous case, Gachagua claimed that Ruto had lost weight despite eating food in the State House.
Source: Facebook
In response, Ruto explained that he has lost weight so that he can be flexible enough to serve the country.
He also encouraged Gachagua and the opposition to focus on exercise to maintain good health and avoid sleeping in public meetings.
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