Kenya launches SMS service to report hate speech

Kenya launched a free text message service on Wednesday (14 July 2010) which allows the public to report examples of hate speech ahead of a constitutional referendum in August. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission said it will monitor the service and respond to hate speech reported to the free SMS number (6397) within 12 hours.

16 Jul 2010

Hate speech fuelled post-election violence in 2007 and is often spread by text messages. Kenyan citizens are due to vote on a new constitution that could reduce presidential powers on 4 August.

Last month six people died in a stampede at a rally in Nairobi organised by the "No" campaign after a grenade was thrown into the crowd. Three MPs were subsequently charged with inciting hate speech.

Source: Panos London

Panos London promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in national and international development debates through media and communication projects. It is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent institutes working to ensure that information is used more effectively to foster debate, pluralism and democracy.

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