The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned political intolerance and acts of violence witnessed in Homa Bay County, warning that growing hostility in political activities threatens Kenya’s peace, democratic participation and national cohesion.
In a press statement dated August 16, 2026, NCIC described the developments as worrying and said such actions contravene the Constitution of Kenya and provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The commission said every Kenyan has the right to hold political activities in any part of the country provided they comply with the law. It, however, stressed that political freedoms must be exercised responsibly and without incitement to violence, hate speech or disorder.
The commission said every Kenyan has the right to hold political activities in any part of the country provided they comply with the law. It, however, stressed that political freedoms must be exercised responsibly and without incitement to violence, hate speech or disorder.
“Political competition must never be equated with hostility, violence, or ethnic antagonism,” the commission said, calling on political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to embrace tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
NCIC further said it had embarked on the process of summoning and holding responsible political actors to account over political unrest and lawlessness witnessed in parts of the country.
The commission’s statement comes amid heightened political activity in Homa Bay, where clashes and disruption were reported during political engagements. NCIC did not apportion blame to any particular political party or individual in its statement but called for accountability for those responsible for unlawful conduct.
The commission also reminded Kenyans that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
At the same time, it said citizens and political actors have a responsibility to protect peace and security, warning that violence, disruption and incitement can endanger lives, damage property and undermine peaceful democratic participation.
NCIC Chairman Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and reject rhetoric that could deepen divisions in the country.
The commission also appealed to young people and political supporters not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate political violence.
According to NCIC, intimidation, violence and actions intended to silence citizens undermine national unity and social stability. It urged Kenyans to resolve political differences through lawful and peaceful democratic engagement.
The commission said the rise in negative political rhetoric and political intolerance must come to an end, warning that continued acts of violence and incitement could threaten Kenya’s democratic fabric.
NCIC maintained that protecting constitutional rights, upholding the rule of law and promoting mutual respect remain essential to maintaining peace and cohesion as political competition intensifies across the country.