Senate flags surge in hate speech ahead of 2027 polls
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission was formed after the 2007-08 election violence to foster unity, prevent ethnically motivated conflicts, and promote national reconciliation.
Rising ethnic tensions and hate speech are once again capturing the attention of Senators as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, with senators warning that unchecked inflammatory remarks could ignite a crisis reminiscent of the post-2007 election violence.
They criticised state agencies for failing to act decisively, even as social media and public figures continue to fan divisions.
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During a hearing of the Senate National Cohesion and Regional Integration Committee on Monday, NCIC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Giti faced intense questioning over the commission’s response to growing cases of ethnic insults and inflammatory speech.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma expressed concern that political leaders were openly making divisive statements without any repercussions, while ordinary citizens reported a spike in ethnic-based attacks on online platforms.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission was formed after the 2007-08 election violence to foster unity, prevent ethnically motivated conflicts, and promote national reconciliation.
Despite its mandate, senators observed that ethnic tension and provocative statements have persisted in every election cycle since its creation.
Senators cited recent remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga at a funeral in Kieni Constituency following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“It was God's way of making the government reconsider taking public resources to Luo Nyanza and instead induced a back to the drawing board moment to reconsider Mt Kenya's stake in government,” Kahiga said.
The comment drew widespread condemnation, forcing him to issue a public apology and resign from his role as vice chairperson of the Council of Governors. Social media erupted in tribal quarrels between the Luo and Kikuyu communities after the incident.
When pressed on the issue, Dr Giti said NCIC monitors both digital and traditional media, conducts awareness and training programs on ethical online behaviour, and promotes digital literacy and hate speech detection.
“The commission has actively monitored social media platforms to promote cohesion and integration by curbing hate speech, ethnic contempt and related offences and preventing incitement to violence and discrimination,” he explained.
Despite this, senators described the response as inadequate and instructed the officials to return with a more comprehensive plan.
The committee also engaged the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), led by CEO Dr Purity Ngina, regarding gender-based discrimination and inflammatory statements targeting women.
Dr Ngina said the commission conducts public sensitisation campaigns and engages stakeholders, but clarified that their role in court proceedings is often limited to being “interested parties”.
Senators, including Nominated Senator Joyce Korir, challenged the commission to provide evidence of cases where it was prevented from taking active action.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) was also scrutinised over its staffing practices, with lawmakers highlighting a lack of inclusivity and representation of marginalised groups.
Director General David Mugonyi defended CAK’s record, noting efforts through internship and attachment programs and ongoing engagement with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Senators urged the Authority to widen recruitment publicity to reach remote regions.
Later, NCIC officials were asked to leave after presenting unsigned documents, which senators said reflected a lack of seriousness. Chair Sen. Mohammed Said Chute instructed the commission to appear again with complete and signed official submissions.
He warned that all agencies tasked with national cohesion must implement their mandates earnestly to avoid increasing tension as elections approach. Senators present included Joseph Lomenen, Catherine Mumma, Dan Maanzo, and Beth Syengo, the latter attending virtually.
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