The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has cautioned Kenyans against the use of the word 'tugeges' to describe people that support a certain political side.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 18, NCIC chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia said that it was wrong to use the word, maintaining that it demeans and dehumanizes people.
“The use of words such as ‘tugeges‘ to describe people who support a certain political side is wrong. This word is hurtful, demeans, and dehumanizes people. It is important that we stop using this and any other abusive words to describe fellow Kenyans," Rev. Kobia stated.
Tugeges is a Kikuyu word that has been used to refer to people who are ignorant or dumb. The term became popular in the run-up to the 2022 polls.
According to Rev. Kobia, the nation had already survived many setbacks, but the tongue was capable of bringing it down.
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"We may have survived the pandemic, floods, locusts, and many other perils but if we don't tame our tongues we will sure burn our great nation down," he added.
The NCIC chairman further remarked that social media was a powerful tool that could be used to fuel ethnic violence through hate speech, pointing out that the commission had already flagged 95 cases of hate speech.
He noted that the X platform was leading with 72 cases, adding that such misuse of social media was illegal and showed the inner thoughts of individuals who wanted to spread hate.
Rev. Kobia said the commission was committed to stopping hate speech, asserting that Kenyans and Kenya needed time to heal.
“Hating another Kenyan, just because they come from a different area, will not make your own life better. You can’t rise from hate. We must all realize that together we can stand but apart as we are, we will fall,” Rev. Kobia remarked.
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