The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has sharply condemned scenes of disorder and political confrontation at recent public gatherings, warning that the tensions could escalate into violence as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.
In a press statement signed by Commission Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae, the commission said its attention had been drawn to “scenes of disorder, provocation, political confrontation and intimidation during public gatherings in the recent past.” It cautioned that such confrontation “has the potential of escalating into violent attacks, that lead to division.”
The commission acknowledged that the pre-election period is heating up politically, but said this was “not a license to turn public gatherings into a stage for factional contests, shouting matches, abusive characterization.” It called the conduct “a clear demonstration of failure on the part of leadership, which is supposed to unite the people and not divide.”
Without naming individuals, the NCIC said it condemned “in the strongest terms” the actions of “the few leaders who did not show restraint when it mattered most.”
The commission stressed that it was not trying to muzzle anyone. Article 33 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression and Article 37 protects the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed. However, “these freedoms carry responsibility,” it said, adding that they do not extend to incitement, hate speech or deliberate disruption of gatherings. The NCIC said it is actively monitoring public gatherings and digital spaces.
- “Discipline your supporters and stop hiring or tolerating ‘goons’.” It warned that “if your followers cause violence, the public will hold you responsible, and so will the law.”
- Enforce your own codes of conduct, since “parties that cannot manage their own internal disagreements may not be trusted to manage the nation’s.”
- Youth: Do not be “paid, ferried or manipulated to disrupt events.” The commission added: “You carry the cost of this violence. The people who send you do not.”
- Security agencies: Maintain order “professionally and impartially,” and investigate all incidents of political violence “without fear or favour.”
- Media and influencers: Report responsibly and avoid amplifying incitement or sharing unverified, inflammatory content.
- All Kenyans: Reject hatred. “Elections come and go, but we remain One People, One Nation, with One Shared Destiny.”
The NCIC warned that it is monitoring the conduct of leaders and their supporters “before, during and after these incidents.” Where evidence shows incitement, hate speech or sponsorship of violence, it said it will use its powers under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008, and refer matters to the relevant agencies “regardless of status or political affiliation.”
The commission reaffirmed its Uchaguzi Bila Noma campaign, which promotes violence-free elections in 2027. “As a nation we have paid a heavy price for political intolerance. We cannot afford to repeat it,” the statement said.
It closed with a call for unity: “Peace is a choice. Let us choose it, today and every day to 2027 and beyond.”
