The Kenyan government is unlikely to shut down the internet during next month’s general election, a top official said.
Communications Authority (CA) chief Francis Wangusi on Monday announced that the body had no intentions of shutting down internet, but warned users against spewing false news and inciting violence, as well as releasing any results before the official release by the electoral body.
Wangusi revealed that the CA was tracking down words that may likely prompt violence, saying that when such words are found, they will be pulled down.
He also said that the CA will in liaison with security agencies track down any persons deemed to have misused social media in the ways above, and charge them in courts of law.
Kenya is set to hold its general elections on August 8, with President Uhuru Kenyatta seeking a second and final mandate.
The president will mainly be challenged by former prime minister and now opposition leader Raila Odinga. A total of eight aspirants will be running for the presidency.
