Former United States of America
Speaking at a New Delhi symposium, Obama noted that the social media such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp are leading to “snap judgement on complex issues” and advised leaders to think before tweeting.
His advice comes amidst concerns on the use of the social media to spread hate speech following a hotly contested presidential election in Kenya that has left the country divided.
Prominent leaders in Kenya have in the recent past found themselves on the wrong side after controversial posts and clips allegedly linking them to incitement and hate speech surfaced on social media.
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In September, a video surfaced on social media showing Gatundu South Member of Parliament ( MP) Moses Kuria making vulgar remarks in Kikuyu against opposition chief Raila Odinga.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino caused a stir on social media after allegedly uttering abusive remarks on President Uhuru Kenyatta at a political rally.
In the run-up to the hotly contested general elections, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) cracked the whip those spreading hate speech with 300 people arrested.
Responding to a question on the dangers of Twitter, Obama stated that “it’s important to be mindful of both the power of these tools but also its limits.”