NCIC warns politicians against incitement and hate speech

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned politicians against incitement and political hooliganism.

NCIC Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, says the Commission will prosecute politicians inciting Kenyans and ensure they are barred from contesting in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking in Nyeri during a meeting with the Central Regional and County security team, Nyutu said politicians must refrain from engaging in acts that may polarize the Country along ethnic and political lines for the sake of peace and development.

She said the commission will monitor unethical conduct by politicians in public meetings and use recorders and body cameras to record proceedings.

Get breaking news on your Mobile as-it-happens. SMS ‘NEWS’ to 20153

“The recordings will go a long way in forming part of the evidence in court against the culprits.” She said.

To further augment its presence and authority, Ms. Nyutu said the Commission will work closely with County security teams to gather intelligence reports alongside their cohesion monitors right from the village level.

Her colleague Sam Kona said heightened political activities in Central Region makes it an area of interest amid the ongoing BBI rallies.

“We do not take for granted the political intolerance we are witnessing in the region that could easily lead to violence,” Kona said.

The region has in the recent past become the epicenter of the 2022 succession politics as Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke allied MPs seek to outdo one another.

And with the region set to host the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) forums in the coming weeks, Kona said their eyes and ears will be on the ground to ensure the process is peaceful.

“We will ensure the rule of law is applied firmly, fairly and impartially where there will be transgression,” the commissioner said.

He said one of their cardinal duty is to promote political tolerance in a way that will allow everybody pursue their political agenda in a manner that does not jeopardize peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.

Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga, said security organs will work with all stakeholders including the church, the civil society and council of elders to ensure peace and order is maintained.