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

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned politicians, supporters, and Kenyans against hate speech, ethnic incitement, and political violence.

In a statement released on Monday, May 25, newly appointed NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae said the commission is now fully constituted and ready to enforce the law.

The commission said Kenya is facing growing political intolerance, online attacks, ethnic profiling, and violent political rhetoric that threaten national unity and peace.

“With the swearing in of the Chairperson and seven Commissioners, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission stands fully constituted and ready to serve,” the statement read.

NCIC said it has observed the disruption of political meetings, inflammatory remarks by political leaders and supporters, and coordinated online attacks targeting people because of their political opinions or ethnicity.

The commission warned that some of these actions violate the law and could undermine democracy.

“Democracy is a culture. It demands tolerance. It requires respect for the diversity of opinion,” the statement added.

The commission stressed that freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution but does not include hate speech, incitement to violence, or ethnic contempt.

NCIC: “No One Is Above the Law”

NCIC said political leaders and public figures will not receive special treatment if they break the law.

“No one is above the law. Political influence does not confer immunity from accountability,” the commission stated.

The commission warned that anyone found guilty of violating the National Cohesion and Integration Act could face prosecution.

NCIC also raised concern over the misuse of social media to spread divisive content and coordinate harassment campaigns.

“Online hate speech carries the same legal consequences as utterances made in public,” the commission warned.

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Call for Peace and Issue-Based Politics

The commission urged political parties to discipline their members and supporters and promote respectful political engagement.

It also called on young people not to allow themselves to be used to spread violence or political intolerance.

“We implore our youth to reject the manipulation of their voices and presence as instruments of political intolerance,” the statement said.

NCIC encouraged Kenyans to focus on issue-based politics instead of tribal divisions and hatred.

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Commission Monitoring Political Discourse

The commission said it is actively monitoring political discourse across social media, public rallies, mainstream media, and political events.

It also asked Kenyans to report incidents of hate speech and incitement through official channels.

“Kenya deserves better than the politics of hatred,” the commission concluded

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NCIC Press Statement on Political Intolerance and Hate Speech
PHOTO/NCIC