Naivasha:The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has requested amendments to the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008, to enhance its capabilities in addressing hate speech and ethnic hatred. The current law limits the Commission’s power to tackle these issues effectively, especially in the realm of online offenses.
According to Kenya News Agency, NCIC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mutegi highlighted that social media has become a significant platform for spreading ethnic hatred, particularly among the youth. New patterns of incitement are emerging daily, complicating the Commission’s efforts to curb these activities.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration in Naivasha, Mr. Mutegi pointed out that the Act restricts hate speech to utterances that incite ethnic hatred. He emphasized that these cases require a high standard of proof due to their criminal nature, and the low fines imposed do not deter offenders. He also noted that political leaders are inciting the public for political gain as the country approaches the next general elections.
Mr. Mutegi identified several threats to national cohesion in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election, including the trust deficit in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), political intolerance, the use of goons, ethnic mobilization, and the misuse of social media. He stated that the Commission is on high alert as the elections approach.
The NCIC has recently summoned a Cabinet Secretary, two Governors, and three Members of Parliament, with three individuals charged with ethnic contempt. The Commission is conducting a nationwide hotspot mapping exercise to identify areas at risk of electoral violence and has completed investigation missions in several counties.
Mr. Mutegi announced the launch of the ‘Uchaguzi Bila Noma’ Roadmap, aimed at ensuring a peaceful environment for the 2027 elections. The roadmap covers the pre-election period, the election in August 2027, and the six months following the polls.
