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| Former National Youth Leader David Maina |
Former National Youth Leader David Maina has voiced strong concerns about the escalating political rhetoric and its potential to incite violence, following the National Cohesion and Integration Commission's (NCIC) call for the arrest and prosecution of legislators accused of hate speech.
Addressing the press, Maina warned of the grim parallels to the 2007/08 post-election violence in Kenya. “We remember the predicament we faced as a nation during that period, driven by leaders spreading hatred and using violent gangs to harm other communities,” he stated.
Maina expressed alarm over the rise in gang violence combined with incendiary rhetoric, describing it as a grave threat to national stability. He called for immediate intervention, urging security agencies to remain vigilant. “We see the elements of a relapse into ethnic violence if action is not taken early,” he cautioned.
While championing the right to free speech, Maina emphasized the unique responsibility of leaders to uphold societal values. “Leaders, by virtue of their influence, are held to a higher standard. They have the freedom to express themselves, but they also bear the august responsibility to do so in a way that uplifts society,” he remarked.
He also condemned the double standard where leaders appear to engage in hate speech with impunity, while ordinary citizens face unconstitutional restrictions on their expression. “As things stand, citizens live in an atmosphere of terror and tension. Every one of us is one word or act of protest away from intimidation, abduction, torture, or even killing,” Maina said.
In a passionate appeal, Maina urged Kenyans to rally behind the Gen Z movement as a vehicle for change against the oppressive status quo. “We must put aside our differences because no one is safe in Kenya today,” he stated, highlighting recent incidents such as the withdrawal of the Chief Justice’s security, the arrest of Grace Mulei in a hospital for defending patients' rights, and the detention of Christians at a prayer vigil mourning victims of violence.
Maina concluded with a clarion call for unity and action, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the nation’s future from a relapse into chaos and division.