Keep off hate speech, NCIC warns

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have strongly condemned the use of hate speech in the country, saying it undermines national cohesion, democratic governance and the peace of the nation.

All forms of hate speech, including ethnic contempt, political incitement, and violent rhetoric, irrespective of the political affiliation, social standing, or public profile of those responsible.

The commission, through its chair Kepha Omae, noted that, in recent weeks, they have witnessed a troubling pattern of deliberate disruptions of political meetings and public gatherings, inflammatory utterances by political actors and their supporters, coordinated online attacks targeting individuals on account of their political opinions, ethnic profiling, and the systematic demonisation of those holding divergent political views. Terming the acts violations of the laws.

“Democracy is a culture. It demands tolerance. It requires respect for the diversity of opinion, it is sustained by peaceful engagement, adherence to constitutional principles, and fidelity to the rule of law.  A democracy that silences dissent through intimidation, weaponises ethnicity to mobilise political support, or incites citizens against one another is a democracy in peril. Kenya cannot afford to travel that path,” Omae noted.

The chairperson clarified that Article 33(1) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas. However, the same Constitution clearly indicates that freedom is not lawlessness.

They also condemned the misuse of digital platforms to spread divisive content, coordinate harassment campaigns, and amplify inflammatory material, arguing that online hate speech carries the same legal consequences as utterances made in public and the perpetrators will be held accountable.

“The Commission is monitoring both the physical and digital spheres with vigilance. We remind all political leaders, elected officials, aspirants, party officials, and opinion shapers that leadership is not a licence to divide. It is a solemn obligation to unite. Those who occupy or seek positions of public trust must demonstrate, by word and deed, that they are worthy of that trust. Leadership that thrives on fear, contempt, and division does not serve the nation; it endangers it,” the chair emphasised.

The commission will not be deterred by rank, prominence, or affiliation when discharging its mandate. Any individual, regardless of position, found to have violated the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008, will be subject to the full range of remedial and punitive measures available, including prosecutions where the evidence warrants. 

“Kenya has traversed difficult chapters in its democratic journey. Hard lessons have been learned at considerable cost to human life, dignity, and nationhood. The Commission appeals to the memory and conscience of every Kenyan: the peace of this nation is not given. It is built, day by day, through deliberate choices made by leaders and citizens alike. As the country navigates its current political terrain, the Commission calls for a decisive return to issue-based politics. Citizens deserve political discourse anchored in policy, governance, and the public good, not ethnicity, hatred, or fear,” he said.

They urged the political leaders to model restraint, measured language, and genuine respect for political opponents. Youths to reject the manipulation of their voices and presence as instruments of political intolerance.

“The future is best secured through peaceful, constructive and lawful engagement. Not through violence, harassment, or the pursuit of political agendas that serve others at the expense of national peace. We urge all citizens to exercise responsible communication both offline and online. Before sharing, amplifying, or endorsing content, every Kenyan must confirm that the content does not promote division, contempt, or hostility. Each citizen is a custodian of the peace,” he said.

The commission maintained that it will not hesitate to act whenever evidence of hate speech, incitement, or ethnic contempt is established. The Commission will pursue the full range of measures available under its mandate.

“Kenya deserves better than the politics of hatred. Kenyans are better than the rhetoric of contempt. We stand ready to engage with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, religious institutions, the media, and the public, in the shared work of building a cohesive and peaceful Kenya,” he maintained.