The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, has called for the responsible use of social media amid growing concerns that certain individuals are misusing the platform.
While acknowledging the significant benefits of social media, particularly in terms of communication, the Speaker emphasized the importance of responsible usage to mitigate the potential harms associated with its misuse.
“Social media is a good medium of communication. But it is also bad medium if we abuse it. Those people who are hell-bent of not using but abusing social media are committing crimes against known-written law that is enforceable,” he stated.
He praised Kenyans for using the platform to highlight important issues but urged caution, particularly when it is used to unjustly attack others, especially those in leadership positions. He warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences.
“We want to urge every Kenyan to be responsible. To wish anybody death or harm, is a crime under our law,” he asserted.
“Those who are using social media, communicate, raise funds, seduce each other, but stop causing despondency, hatred and dividing our society on lines that can be dangerous for our country,” the Speaker added.
He pointed out that the law allows Kenyans to express themselves freely but cautioned against abusing this privilege.
“Recently, Australia passed a law to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media to protect their morals and shield them from social perverts, sexual predators, and all those hell-bent on corrupting society. Kenya may not want to go that route, but we urge every Kenyan to be responsible.” He said
By Eric Biegon