Implications of Hate Speech on National Security: a Comparative Analysis of the Kenya and Rwanda Experiences.

Abstract

The international community has tried to control hate speech to avoid threats to peace and security. Scholars and researcher have lobbied for the positioning of hate speech in upcoming policies to boost state security. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of hate speech on national security comparative analysis of Kenya and Rwanda; two African countries. The research was driven by the increases in the use of language that is deemed a threat to the security in Kenya, in the pretext of freedom of expression. The setting provided by the Rwanda genocide is used to illustrate the potential danger that countries like Kenya would face in the case of misuse of the Freedom of Expression. The researcher primarily sought to examine how hate speech affects security and stability in the two African countries. The study focused on three objectives, namely: To establish the place of hate speech in the national security discourse, to examine the legal and institutional framework of hate speech management in Kenya and Rwanda, and a critical comparative analysis of impact of hate speech and national security in Kenya and Rwanda. The research adopted descriptive research design because of its precise and authentic representation of the findings. Primary data was obtained both from Kenya and Rwanda using questionnaires and interviews. The study found out that the two countries have sufficient examples to design plans of action, and are treating the subject as a matter of importance giving the reason for continued threat to national security. The adopted strategies are rated to have high effectiveness because they move closer to address the key root cause of hate speech induced conflict. It was also established that, strategies in Kenya still fail due to lack of evidence and manipulation by the political class. The study also observed that hate speech lowers the dignity of individuals resulting to frustrations, anger, emotional suffering and distress. This study recommends that, the policies put in place should be accompanied by efforts to improve the capacity of institutions, which have sought non-legal measures as a strategy to change discourse on different social issues. Consequently, media strategies should regulate the content being aired.