Some of the slogans politicians have been using do not amount to hate speech, according to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). NCIC Commissioner Danvas Makori singled out "Wantam" and "Mambo Ni Matatu", which have lately become popular with Kenyans, saying they do not amount to hate speech. "Wantam" is a corruption of 'One Term' that has mainly been used by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team, as they push to have to have President William Ruto to be a one-term president. On the other hand, 'Mambo ni Matatu' is a Swahili phrase that has now become popular among Kenyans.
It loosely translates to "you have three options." President Ruto used the phrase to warn those who would fight reforms in the sugar industry.
Ruto called on two investors, whom he said were fighting over control of Mumias sugar company, to stop or move out, go to jail or embark on the journey to heaven. NCIC Commissioners during a press conference on Thursday, January 23.
Photo NCIC Makori said the two slogans, and others that are being used by politicians, do not meet the threshold of hate speech and are merely considered as forms of political expression.
