2027 Election: NCIC Chair Warns Politicians Against Ethnic Mobilisation

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae has warned political leaders against turning the 2027 General Election into a contest between ethnic communities.

Omae said rising political competition, hate speech and the mobilisation of young people into political groups risk creating divisions that could degenerate into violence.

Speaking ahead of the 2027 election, the NCIC chairperson called on politicians to pursue their ambitions within the law while respecting the rights of Kenyans who support rival parties and candidates.

He said Kenya’s ethnic diversity should not be exploited for political gain, pointing out that communities have continued to live, trade, work and build families together despite their differences.

“We must not allow another election to become another chapter in Kenya’s history of political and ethnic violence. Politics must never again be allowed to masquerade as war between communities,” Omae said.

NCIC Chair Warns Against Ethnic Politics

Omae said political competition becomes dangerous when leaders convince communities that their survival depends on defeating another group, warning that framing elections as our people against their people changes how Kenyans view political opponents, turning fellow citizens into perceived enemies.

The chairperson said politicians should be free to criticise opponents and campaign vigorously but must draw a line between political disagreement and attacks targeting ethnic communities.

He noted that Kenya’s communities have long shared workplaces, businesses and neighbourhoods, making it dangerous to allow temporary political interests to damage relationships that continue beyond election day.

Also Read: “No One Is Above the Law,” NCIC Warns Leaders Over Hate Speech

“You can criticise a presidential aspirant without insulting his or her community or family. You can oppose a political party without demonising its supporters,” he said.

Omae also challenged national leaders to consider the consequences of their words, saying political influence comes with a responsibility to protect the country from messages that could deepen suspicion and hostility.

Young Kenyans Warned Against Political Goonism

The NCIC chairperson expressed concern over organised groups of young people being mobilised to disrupt political meetings, intimidate opponents and confront rival supporters.

He said the practice was unfair to young Kenyans who should be concentrating on education, employment, enterprise and other opportunities instead of being drawn into political confrontations.

According to Omae, the consequences often fall on the young people involved, while politicians who mobilise them can retain their influence and political protection.

“Young Kenyans are not political weapons. They are not instruments to be hired out whenever a politician wishes to demonstrate strength. They are citizens with dreams, talents, and aspirations of their own,” he said.

He said injuries, arrest, imprisonment or death could leave a lasting impact on a young person’s life long after politicians have moved on from the political battles that drew them into violence.

Urging young people not to accept money or other incentives to attack opponents, disrupt meetings or spread hatred online.

Omae Challenges Leaders Over Hate Speech

Omae has warned political leaders over the use of inflammatory language at rallies and on social media, saying a statement made before a large crowd can quickly reach millions of Kenyans.

He said deliberate provocation, ethnic contempt and false information can deepen divisions and create an environment in which violence becomes easier to trigger.

The NCIC chairperson stressed that political freedom does not give leaders the right to endanger national peace, urging candidates to challenge opponents without attacking their ethnic backgrounds, families or supporters.

He said responsible leadership involves knowing when political rhetoric could have consequences beyond the campaign trail.

“Leadership is not merely about winning elections. It is about knowing what not to say when saying it may endanger the country,” Omae said.

Also Read: NCIC Declares Chairperson and Seven Commissioner Seats Vacant

NCIC, he added, will continue working with State institutions, civil society, religious organisations, the media, young people and other stakeholders to prevent, monitor and respond to hate speech, ethnic incitement and political intolerance.

Omae said enforcement alone would not be enough, calling for a political culture where leaders exercise restraint even before their words cross the legal threshold.

NCIC Chair Calls for Peaceful 2027 Polls

He said Kenya’s previous experience with political and ethnic violence should serve as a warning against repeating the same mistakes.

Noting that once communities become divided, rebuilding trust can take years, making prevention more important than attempting to repair relationships after violence has occurred.

The NCIC chairperson called on ordinary Kenyans to play their part by rejecting hate speech, reporting ethnic contempt online and respecting neighbours who support different political parties, adding that the 2027 election will eventually pass, regardless of which candidates emerge victorious.

Also Read: Ruto Nominates Bishop Kepha Omae as NCIC Chair, Names 8 Members

After the results, Kenyans will still share the same country, businesses, communities and institutions, while children will continue growing up in the same environment.

“The person who wins today may lose tomorrow. The person who loses today may win tomorrow. The Kenyan who is your political opponent today may be your business partner, your neighbour, and your friend tomorrow,” he said.

Omae urged Kenyans to put the country’s long-term interests above temporary political contests, stressing that no political office should come at the cost of a citizen’s life or dignity.

“No election is worth the blood of a Kenyan. No political office is worth the destruction of our social fabric,” he said.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae during the Faith Leaders National Consultative Forum on Peaceful Elections held on Wednesday, August 26,2026. PHOTO/X