The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CCSNH) has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate politicians allegedly using bloggers to tarnish their opponents.
The call comes amid escalating political tensions in Mombasa, where social media platforms have become battlegrounds for insults, as netizens target leaders with differing views.
CCSNH Chairperson Zedekiah Adika stressed the need for integrity among political leaders, urging them to rein in their supporters and respect the rights of others.
“Political discourse must be civil and not appear orchestrated by third parties. There must be accountability,” Adika said at his office in Tudor, Mombasa.
He further called for the registration of bloggers to regulate their online behavior, warning against the spread of defamatory content.
“There are plenty of facts for people to engage with, without stooping to smear campaigns that degrade both public offices and the dignity of Kenyans,” Adika noted.
The network expressed concern over the alleged abduction, assault, and sodomization of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John, following a social media post critical of a top county official. CCSNH condemned the attack and commended John for speaking out against the abuse.
“We fully condemn this heinous act. Such violence should never happen to anyone, regardless of their actions online,” Adika said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) were praised for their swift action in the case, with four suspects already charged at the Shanzu Law Courts. More arrests are expected.
Adika urged the agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute all involved, regardless of their positions in government.
“There should be no favoritism. All individuals involved in this atrocity must be held accountable, and investigations should be comprehensive,” Adika insisted.
He also stressed that public officials charged in connection with the case should step aside to avoid interfering with the investigation, though their rights should still be protected.
Adika called on the police and judiciary to handle the case impartially and urged the Witness Protection Agency to safeguard those testifying.
“The state must act with integrity, ensuring all parties are treated justly under the law,” he stated.
