Members of Parliament have voiced concern over the growing wave of hate speech in the country, urging the government to disband and reform the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). The lawmakers argued that the agency, tasked with promoting national unity and curbing ethnic divisions, has failed to deliver on its mandate despite repeated public outcries. Their calls came during a heated Senate Committee session on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration held on Monday, November 3, 2025, where NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti appeared for questioning.
During the session, MPs accused the commission of turning a blind eye to inflammatory remarks by politicians that threaten to inflame tensions ahead of the next general election. Some legislators questioned whether the NCIC had become a toothless watchdog, citing the increasing use of social media and public rallies to spread divisive rhetoric. Dr. Giti defended the commission, noting that limited resources and legal bottlenecks had hampered enforcement. However, his explanation failed to convince several members, who insisted that the institution needed a complete overhaul to restore public confidence.
The rise in politically charged statements has reignited debate over Kenya’s fragile interethnic relations. Recent incidents in Nyeri, Nairobi, and Kisumu have sparked outrage, with leaders from across the political divide calling for responsible speech. Civil society groups have also criticized the NCIC for being reactive rather than proactive, pointing out that unchecked hate speech could jeopardize peace and stability as the 2027 election season approaches. The situation has drawn comparisons to the pre-2007 climate, raising fears of a repeat of the divisions that once tore the country apart.
In response, the Senate Committee has promised to table recommendations on reforming the NCIC, including reviewing its structure, powers, and leadership. Lawmakers also called for stricter penalties for offenders and closer collaboration with the Communications Authority to monitor online content. As the debate continues, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether the renewed calls for accountability will lead to genuine reforms or fade like previous attempts to strengthen the country’s cohesion framework.