NCIC Warns Azimio Over Looming Nationwide Rallies

The Bishop Samuel Kobia-led body moved to team up with authorities to monitor politicians' speeches during public gatherings...

NCIC Warns Azimio Over Looming Nationwide Rallies
Raila Odinga speaking at Jacaranda grounds on January 29, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned leaders against making inciteful remarks even as the Azimio la Umoja coalition prepares to host public rallies countrywide.

In a statement dated Thursday, February 2, NCIC expressed worry with regard to a re-emergence of political incitement and hate speech by some of the political leaders. 

The Bishop Samuel Kobia-led body moved to team up with authorities to monitor politicians' speeches during public gatherings to ensure that the individuals do not cause division amongst Kenyans.

NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia among other officials addressing the media on February 2, 2023. /TWITTER.NCIC

"For instance, the Commission through the social media investigation team flagged 10 hate speech and 20 misinformation cases as compared to three (3) cases in November and December 2022. This is an indication that hate speech and ethnic contempt is as a result of the recent political rallies.

"Consequently, the Commission together with other law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring to ensure Kenyans are not divided along ethnic line and political beliefs," NCIC stated.

In addition, NCIC vowed to hold all politicians to account for speeches made during political events by summoning those who will be found uttering remarks bordering on incitement.

"We shall endeavour to ensure perpetrators of hate speech & incitement to violence are dully summoned & investigated according to the laws.  We reiterate our effort to ensure that we do not slide back to divisive politics that will derail our socioeconomic development.

"Leaders who speak at these political rallies must be aware that they will be held personally responsible for their utterances while at political rallies. This is the stance which the commission has taken and will execute without fear or favour," added the commission.

The NCIC further called upon all the leaders to desist making utterances leading to ethnic animosity, while it endeavours to ensure that the country remains united, peaceful and cohesive to attain a just and equitable society living in peace, unity and dignity.

"Certainly, there is no time and energy left for further negativity since Kenyans are demanding a conducive environment to allow them to rebuild their livelihoods. Disrupting peace and cohesion will derail the positive gains that we have achieved as a country," added NCIC.

This comes after Korogocho Member of County Assembly (MCA) Absalom Odhiambo alias Matakwey Mobimba was set free on Wednesday, February 1 despite the uproar generated by his recent remarks bordering on incitement.

A Nairobi court had denied an application by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) seeking to have him detained for seven more days pending investigations into the alleged hate speech remarks.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe found that the police and the prosecution were insensitive to the changes in the law while seeking orders to detain the MCA, adding that he was arrested and detained based on a non-existent law.

Meanwhile, Azimio announced its third rally of the year in Kibra over the weekend followed by another Baraza on Friday, February 10, 2023, this time in Mavoko, Machakos County.

Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo during a past address. /FILE