By Fredrick Kioko.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to restore public confidence and become more proactive in fostering national unity throughout the year, rather than being perceived as an institution that only becomes visible during election periods.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday during a meeting with an NCIC delegation led by Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, Wetang'ula said the Commission must address the challenges that have undermined public trust since its establishment following the 2007/08 post-election violence.
"NCIC suffers from serious trust issues. The Commission was formed after the 2007 post-election violence to help unite the country and bridge political divisions. It should not only be active during elections," he said.
The Speaker underscored the importance of sustained civic education, saying changing people's attitudes and mindsets is critical to building lasting national cohesion.
"Changing our mindset through education is far more important," he noted.
Wetang'ula observed that ethnic identity should be embraced as part of Kenya's diversity but cautioned against its misuse to promote discrimination, exclusion or political division.
"There is nothing wrong with belonging to a particular ethnic community. The problem comes when that identity is used to oppress and disadvantage others," he said.
He urged the Commission to deepen its collaboration with the Ministry of Education to cultivate a culture of unity among young people through schools and other learning institutions.
"Let us help the Ministry of Education build a culture of unity among our children because they are the ones who will shape the future," he said.
The Speaker also called for stronger institutional collaboration between NCIC and key agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), to enhance the Commission's effectiveness in addressing hate speech and ethnic incitement.
"You have the power to investigate, but prosecution is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions. NCIC must define its role, put its house in order and earn the confidence of Kenyans. Parliament will support the Commission within the law," he said.
Describing elections as a continuous process rather than a one-day event, Wetang'ula urged the Commission to take a leading role in preventing hate speech and holding accountable leaders who fuel ethnic and political divisions.
"Elections are not just about voting. They are a process, and NCIC has a critical role in protecting communities from hate speech and leaders who spread division," he said.
In response, NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae said the Commission had already embarked on preparations for the 2027 General Election through a comprehensive roadmap centred on prevention, public engagement and collaboration with key institutions.
"We have a roadmap. We are working with other government agencies and political leaders across the country. Our goal is to reduce political polarisation and ethnic divisions," Omae said.
He said the Commission would continue engaging political leaders to encourage responsible conduct and peaceful political competition.
"We are asking our leaders to lower the political temperature. We want healthy and peaceful politics," he said.
Omae added that NCIC would expand its grassroots engagement by working closely with elders, religious leaders and other opinion leaders while strengthening cohesion programmes in schools and other educational institutions.
"We will work with schools and other learning institutions. This roadmap will help us address emerging challenges in our communities," he said.
Meanwhile, NCIC Commissioner Jerusha Mwaathime called for stronger cooperation between the Commission and other state agencies, while appealing to Parliament to enhance NCIC's investigative mandate.
"We need stronger legal tools to deal with some of the cases we investigate. The Commission's powers should be expanded to allow more effective investigations," Mwaathime said.
