New NCIC Rules Aim to Curb Social Media Fueling Violence Ahead of 2027

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued fresh guidelines for social media surveillance, marking a strategic shift in tackling Kenya’s growing political volatility.

In a comprehensive press statement released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, NCIC CEO Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti linked a recent wave of bloodletting across several counties to the failed short rains of 2025, which have triggered desperate competition over dwindling land, water, and grazing resources.

The NCIC explained that this rollout coincides with a surge in digital engagement, noting that social media has increasingly been weaponized to spread ethnic hostility and misinformation.

To prevent online inflammatory messaging from inciting physical violence, the Commission designed these guidelines to balance constitutional freedoms with the urgent necessity of protecting citizens from hate speech and discrimination.

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MP Samuel Arama Under Fire

The NCIC singled out Nakuru West Member of Parliament, Hon. Samuel Arama, for strong condemnation. The Commission accused the MP of making remarks that constitute “ethnic contempt” by suggesting that access to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should be based on ethnicity or political affiliation.

Dr. Giti clarified that public resources are a “constitutional trust” and must be accessed without discrimination.

The NCIC has demanded an immediate apology from the lawmaker and has launched formal investigations into the matter.

“His statements suggesting discriminatory access to the Constituency Development Fund based on ethnicity or political affiliation fundamentally contravene constitutional values of equality and

Inclusivity, and potentially violate the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008. We wish to remind all leaders that public resources are constitutionally established for the benefit of all Kenyans and must be accessed without discrimination,” the commission noted.

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Call for Action

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the Commission warned that the current climate of “security-disturbed zones” and dusk-to-dawn curfews is not a permanent solution.

“Political and community leaders must cease inflammatory rhetoric that fuels ethnic divisions for personal or political gain. Comprehensive community engagement and peace-building processes must be implemented in partnership with government agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional conflict resolution structures,” the commission noted.

The commission further stated that media and social media platforms require urgent capacity building on responsible reporting and dissemination of information. Perpetrators of violence and those who incite communities to conflict must be held accountable through appropriate legal mechanisms.

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Part of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) report released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026