NCIC Condemns Homa Bay Violence, Calls On Kenyans To Reject Political Intolerance
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned in the strongest terms possible the cases of political intolerance and violence reported in Homa Bay County, warning that continued hostility among political players threatens the soul of the nation.
In an official press statement released from Britam Tower, 17th Floor, Upper Hill, Nairobi on Saturday, 16th August 2026, the Commission said it was deeply concerned by the disturbing trend of political intolerance that is slowly creeping back into the country’s political space.
The statement, titled “SAFEGUARDING THE SOUL OF THE NATION: REJECT POLITICAL INTOLERANCE, HATE AND DIVISION” and signed by NCIC Chairman Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae, noted that the violence witnessed in Homa Bay is unfortunate, worrying and unconstitutional.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) condemns the political intolerance and acts of violence witnessed in Homa Bay County today. This is an unfortunate and worrying trend that is against the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Section 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act. Such actions raise serious security concerns regarding the protection of constitutional freedoms,” the Commission stated.
NCIC reminded political leaders that while Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed, that right comes with the responsibility to maintain peace and security in the country at all levels.
The Commission affirmed that any Kenyan is allowed to hold political activities in any part of the country as long as they do not break the law, but cautioned that those fundamental rights must be exercised responsibly.
“They must be exercised responsibly, without incitement to violence, hate speech, or disorder,” the statement emphasized.
The cohesion agency further revealed that it has commenced the process of summoning and holding responsible political actors to account for the acts of political unrest and lawlessness being witnessed in parts of the country.
In its appeal to the public, NCIC called on all Kenyans and political leaders to exercise tolerance, respect the law, and avoid acts that could plunge the country into lawlessness. It specifically urged political supporters and the youth to exercise restraint and to reject being used as tools for political violence.
According to the Commission, the rise in political intolerance in the country, marred by negative political rhetoric, must come to an end.
“NCIC strongly condemns acts of violence, disruption, or incitement that endanger the lives of Kenyans, undermine peaceful democratic participation, disrupt peace and cohesion across the country and are a threat to the lives of Kenyans and destroy property,” Bishop Omae said.
He added that political competition must never be equated with hostility, violence, or ethnic antagonism, and that differences in opinion should strengthen, not weaken, Kenya’s democratic fabric.
