NAIROBI, Kenya >> Kenya’s government spokesman appeared to make a veiled threat against international journalists while announcing a tough stance on information deemed divisive surrounding nationwide elections March 4.

Government spokesman Muthui Kariuki told a gathering of international reporters today that the government will summon journalists who publish stories that have a polarizing effect. He did not say what action would then be taken.

Kariuki told the journalists: “We will set you on fire before you set us on fire.”  He said the media and pollsters were the catalysts of violence that rocked Kenya following a disputed presidential vote five years ago.

More than 1,000 people died and 600,000 were driven from their homes following the December 2007 vote. The government is seeking to prevent a repeat of violence during this year’s election.