NCIC Condemns Homa Bay Political Violence, Warns Leaders Over Intolerance

By Monyonge Kebati

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned acts of political violence and intolerance witnessed in Homa Bay County, warning political leaders and their supporters against using violence, hate and intimidation to settle political differences.

In a press statement issued on August 16, 2026, the commission described the incidents in Homa Bay as “unfortunate and worrying,” saying they undermine constitutional freedoms and raise serious security concerns.

The NCIC said political activities are permitted in any part of the country as long as participants abide by the law, while stressing that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and without incitement to violence, hate speech or disorder.

The commission’s statement comes amid confrontations reported in Homa Bay during political activities, where groups of youths were seen engaging in clashes and disrupting movements in parts of the county.

NCIC said it had begun the process of summoning and holding responsible political actors to account over acts of political unrest and lawlessness witnessed in parts of the country.

The commission further urged political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and reject divisive rhetoric, emphasising the need for tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.

“Political competition must never be equated with hostility, violence, or ethnic antagonism,” the commission said.

Warning ahead of 2027 elections

The commission warned that the growing trend of political intolerance, coupled with negative political rhetoric, poses a threat to peace, national cohesion and democratic participation.

It strongly condemned violence, disruption and incitement that could endanger lives, destroy property or discourage Kenyans from participating peacefully in democratic activities.

The NCIC also cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

At the same time, the commission said constitutional freedoms come with a responsibility to maintain peace and security.

NCIC Chairman Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae called on Kenyans and political leaders to uphold the rule of law and avoid actions that could plunge the country into lawlessness.

The commission also appealed to political supporters and young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

The latest warning comes as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the commission urging competing political camps to ensure their differences do not weaken Kenya’s democratic institutions or threaten national unity.