Nairobi: In a press release dated May 25, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also advised the youth to refuse to be used by self-seeking politicians to plant seeds of anarchy in the country, but rather be ambassadors of peace.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Commission has reminded Kenyans to be engaged in peaceful and constructive dialogue instead of pursuing narrow political mileage that may undermine national unity. ‘We urge all citizens to exercise responsible communication both offline and online. Before sharing, amplifying, or endorsing content, every Kenyan must confirm the content does not promote division, contempt, or hostility. Every citizen is a custodian,’ read part of the statement signed by NCIC Chair Bishop, Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae.
The Commission stated that they are actively monitoring political discourse across all platforms, including mainstream media, social media, public rallies, and formal political proceedings. It emphasized that the commission would not hesitate to act where evidence of hate speech, incitement, or ethnic contempt is established and would pursue the full range of measures available under its disposal.
The NCIC is also calling on political parties to reign in their followers by issuing explicit marching orders that will ensure adherence to the tenets of the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution. Political party leaders have been urged to flag down any of their followers found engaging in activities that may imperil the peaceful coexistence of other members of the public. ‘Parties bear direct institutional responsibility for the conduct of their members and cannot distance themselves from consequences of the toxic environments they permit or encourage. We urge the political leaders to model restraint, measured language, and genuine respect for political opponents. Leaders must actively denounce hate speech and incitement within their own formations. Silence in the face of intolerance is itself a form of endorsement,’ stated the commission.
Kenyans have also been told to take stock of the long road the country has traversed before attaining the current hard-fought democracy and peace and urged to defend it at all costs. The Commission warned against flouting Article 10 of the Constitution on National Unity through weaponized ethnicity to mobilize political support, cautioning that Kenya cannot afford to trudge along such a slippery path.
The cautionary advisory comes at a time when the country appears to have taken to early campaigns despite the next General Elections being 14 months away. In October last year, Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga had to apologize before stepping down from his position as Council of Governor Vice Chair, following a public outburst over a remark he allegedly made about the death of former Premier Raila Odinga.
Dr. Kahiga’s alleged comments were captured in a video clip dated October 21, while attending a burial ceremony in Kieni East Sub county. The Governor was alleged to have been gloating over the death of Raila, equating it to a blessing in disguise for the people of Mount Kenya, who felt sidelined in the allocation of national resources. However, he later expressed regrets over the public anger his words elicited and clarified that his remarks were in no way celebratory.
Additionally, Dr. Kahiga recently criticized UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over statements he allegedly made, which appeared to vilify members of a certain community in Kenya. The Governor condemned the remarks and asked Omar to step down from his position. Omar has since apologized, stating that his remarks were taken out of context and were not directed at any community in particular, but rather addressed historical land injustices for the coastal people.
