Kisumu:The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has identified public mistrust, political violence, and online incitement as primary threats to peaceful elections in 2027. To tackle these challenges, the Commission is engaging with communities, institutions, and young people to prevent electoral violence.
According to Kenya News Agency, Millicent Okatch, NCIC’s Director of Research and Knowledge Management, emphasized the importance of early interventions to avoid tensions escalating into violence. The Commission has developed strategies to address five key roadblocks to peaceful coexistence. The second edition of the Commission’s Roadmap to a Violence-Free 2027 General Election, known as Uchaguzi Bila Noma and launched on August 25, 2026, aims to strengthen early warning systems, promote responsible leadership, and enhance collaboration among various stakeholders.
Okatch highlighted the necessity of fostering public trust, addressing community mistrust, and combating the misuse of social media. The Commission is also focusing on expanding civic education and promoting public participation to rebuild confidence in the electoral process. There is a call for collaboration among voter education bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure citizens understand their roles.
Young people are being engaged to discourage political violence and promote issue-based political participation. The NCIC is urging responsible digital engagement to counteract inflammatory statements spreading via social media.
The Director called for the inclusion of young people in political discussions and decision-making processes. She stressed the need for addressing economic and social vulnerabilities that could lead to political exploitation of youth by creating job opportunities.
Okatch also responded to concerns about potential unrest in Kisumu City, noting that local youth had previously resisted calls to protest, demonstrating a commitment to peace. She urged residents and stakeholders to maintain peaceful coexistence in Kisumu and beyond.
Media practitioners were encouraged to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and strengthen collaboration with editors ahead of the 2027 General Election. The NCIC director affirmed the importance of early engagement to promote national cohesion throughout the electoral period.
Law student Lynn Masawa and local resident Robert Odhiambo echoed the NCIC’s message, urging young people to reject political violence and unite around shared national interests. The youth café event in Kisumu served as a platform for discussing the role of youth in fostering peace and understanding the consequences of electoral violence.
