Social media has made a lot of people feel somewhat invincible with netizens spewing words left right and centre because hey, 'Freedom of Speech!'.
What most fail to understand however is that this freedom has its limitations and in as much as you think you are covered under this rosy-sounding clause it is not 100% foolproof.
Especially right now with the ongoing #End femicide campaigns going around, there is a seemingly tough on-going battle of the sexes with each side trying to prove their point.
Some arguments, whether on the streets or online quickly escalate with people resulting in insulting each other mindless of what they type because "I'm just sharing my opinion." But did you know, that "just sharing your opinion" as you casually say can land you in legal problems even resulting in jail time?
Let us take a whirlwind tour through the wittily complex world of Kenyan freedom of speech laws.
The Freedom Tango:
In Kenya, freedom of speech is like a dance floor, but don't let the rhythm fool you there are rules. The Constitution grants you the freedom to express yourself, but like any good dance, you've got to mind your steps. This freedom comes with restrictions, such as 'it does not advocate for hatred' as almost all good things do.
The Do's and Don'ts on the Legal Dance Floor:
Feel like sharing your mind? Fantastic! But hold your horses, here's the 411 on what's allowed.
You can criticize the government, throw shade at policies, and even mock the traffic, the legal dance floor welcomes a spirited waltz of opinions.
But beware! This is not a lawless village. Hate speech is the party crasher that will get you shown the exit. Inciting violence, ethnic hatred, advocacy for hatred, propaganda for war, or any talk that could turn the dance floor into a boxing ring is strictly off-limits.
So remarks such as, "We will continue killing you," are not only distasteful but also a violation of the law.
Technically speaking, if someone decided to press charges against the 2 viral men seen threatening ladies at the march they would be looking at serious jail time.
Image: Screengrab
Censorship Tango:
Kenyan law isn't all about letting the words flow freely. If you think you can badmouth someone without repercussions, think again.
Defamation is the dance move that'll land you in hot water. Spreading false information that harms someone's reputation might have you cha-cha-ing your way into a courtroom.
Social Media Salsa:
In this digital age, social media is the new ballroom. But be cautious about your online hustle.
Cybercrime laws are watching, and cyberbullying? That's like tripping someone on the dance floor it's just not cool. Cyber bullying isn't just calling someone "fat" or "skinny stick" be wary of those online wars you engage in.
Arrested Development:
Now, let's talk about the worst-case scenario: getting arrested for your words.
Hate speech, incitement, and any dance moves that threaten national security will land you in the custody tango. Freedom of speech has its limits, and crossing those boundaries can lead to legal entanglements.
In conclusion, Kenya yes does have and supports freedom of speech however it's a dance that requires finesse and respect for your fellow dancers.
So, always be mindful of the legal dance steps.
Express yourself, criticize with flair, but leave hate speech at the door. After all, in the Kenyan legal dance, knowing the steps can be the difference between an encore and an early curtain call. Keep it wise, and let us embrace ubuntu it is 2024 guys!
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