The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised alarms about the growing cases of hate speech among political leaders, especially on social media.
According to Wambui Nyutu, the Vice Chairperson of the NCIC, the Commission has completed investigations into several lawmakers, including Oscar Sudi (Kapseret),
Farah Maalim (Dadaab), and Dan Wanyama (Webuye West). Their findings have been forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), urging the arrest of the accused politicians.
In a separate press briefing on Thursday, January 23, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia and other commissioners expressed concern about what they described as “divisive rhetoric” emerging from political figures.
The Commission pointed out that, with more than two years remaining before the General Election, the country was headed down a dangerous path as political leaders increasingly resorted to verbal attacks against one another.
“We are deeply concerned by the rise of hateful and divisive speeches that have been circulating on social media platforms and at public rallies in recent weeks,” the Commission stated, highlighting the negative impact of such behavior on national unity.
Kobia added, “The recent utterances we’ve seen have no place in Kenya, and the NCIC demands an immediate return to order and respect in public discourse.”
The Commission also took a firm stand against political figures who misuse social media, pointing to Article 33 of the 2010 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
However, NCIC made it clear that the Constitution does not protect speech that incites violence, spreads hate, or promotes ethnic discrimination.
Referring to the National Cohesion Act of 2008, particularly Sections 13(1)(a) and 62, the NCIC reiterated that the law safeguards the rights of all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or political views.
This sharp warning from the NCIC comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country. With the general election still over two years away, political leaders are already engaging in fierce battles, trying to outdo each other and gain an advantage.
Recently, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made waves on social media, accusing his former boss, President William Ruto, of dishonesty and double standards.
In response, President Ruto, who was touring the Western region to launch various projects, openly criticized Gachagua for engaging in divisive politics.
Oscar Sudi, the Kapseret MP and an ally of Ruto, also fueled the online conflict, accusing Gachagua of hypocrisy for opposing policies he once supported.
On the other hand, Gachagua’s supporters have been active as well, with Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Githunguri MP, questioning the source of the bonuses given to sugarcane farmers in Mumias, which were announced by President Ruto.
This ongoing verbal battle among political leaders highlights the deepening political rift in the country, with tensions likely to increase as the 2027 General Election approaches.
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