WhatsApp Admins cautioned to ensure messages are verified before being published on the wall. Photo: Courtesy.
Marsabit Central Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) David Saruni has called on WhatsApp groups admins to closely monitor and be careful on what is published on the wall.
Speaking to a local station in the region on June, Wednesday 4, Saruni cautioned the leaders to be careful on the use of the platform, especially among the youths, to avoid engagements that could land them in trouble with the law.
Saruni further acknowledged the important role played by social media as a tool for communication, but can be very dangers, if it is misused by the users.
“Once any information is not verified it can cause a lot of harm, especially when the persons involved is not heard clearly, you will be propagating information that can be misunderstood and cause a lot of harm in the end,” Saruni cautioned.
He called on youths to use social media platforms in ways that can benefit them, including seeking for knowledge, looking for job opportunities and activities that can help move the society forward
However, he called on youths to ensure that information being published on the walls shared is verified before the sharing across other platforms.
“It is a crucial communication tool that spreads information very fast to a large number of people at the same time, because of its free nature. Let us use these platforms in prudent ways, that we can help and benefit from as a society and not to bring about our own downfall,” he urged.
Additionally, Saruni issued a stern warning to leaders of WhatsApp groups to ensure that members in their group are regulated and their messages verified before publishing in the group. Saruni said that misuse could amount to the Penal Code charge.
“All Admins of Social Media Platforms are supposed to be enlightened and cautioned about what is published will not harm other users, Penal Codes are there to discipline people who contravene the law on use of Social Media and Cyber Crimes, to ensure people do not break these laws by use of these platforms and computers,” Saruni explained.
His calls come as Marsabit Jamia Mosque Sheikh Mohamed Noor backed up the calls by COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli called on the Kenya Kwanza government to regulate social media, as it had given Kenyans to much freedom.
Additionally, Norr said that recent days is witnessing misuse of the platforms through belittling and disrespecting leaders especially by the youths.
