The Senate has expressed growing concern over an alarming increase in hate speech and ethnic intolerance as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election. Lawmakers warned that the trend, if left unchecked, could plunge the country into another cycle of division similar to the 2007–08 post-election crisis. The Senate National Cohesion and Regional Integration Committee, meeting at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, questioned the effectiveness of state agencies charged with promoting national unity, accusing them of inaction as inflammatory remarks spread online and in public rallies.
During Monday’s committee session, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) faced tough scrutiny from senators over what they termed as a slow and inadequate response to rising ethnic hostility. NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Giti defended the commission’s work, noting that it monitors both digital and mainstream media to identify hate speech and incitement while promoting digital literacy and peaceful coexistence. However, senators, led by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, said divisive statements by political figures have gone unpunished, emboldening others to disregard the law. The lawmakers also cited the recent remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga that sparked outrage and tribal tensions following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The committee also engaged officials from the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) on related issues of discrimination, representation, and inclusivity. NGEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Purity Ngina told senators that the agency continues to run awareness campaigns and stakeholder forums but often plays an advisory rather than prosecutorial role in hate-related cases. CAK Director General David Mugonyi defended the authority’s diversity record, citing internship and outreach programs targeting underrepresented groups, though senators urged wider recruitment efforts, particularly in remote areas.
Committee chairperson Senator Mohammed Said Chute directed NCIC officials to resubmit complete documentation of their monitoring strategy, warning that any laxity could worsen political divisions as the 2027 polls approach. He emphasized that all institutions mandated to foster national cohesion must act decisively to safeguard peace and unity. The senators vowed to continue oversight hearings in the coming weeks to ensure accountability and prevent the recurrence of violence driven by hate speech and ethnic incitement.