West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has urged the Kenyan government to disband the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), citing its failure to effectively address hate speech and incitement. According to Kachapin, the commission has consumed public resources without fulfilling its mandate. He described the NCIC as a "toothless bulldog" that only barks but does not take concrete action against leaders who make inflammatory remarks.
Kachapin's call for the disbandment of NCIC comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election. The governor emphasized the need for a more effective agency with sufficient powers to deal with leaders who make inflammatory remarks. He suggested that the new body should have the ability to prosecute offenders and ensure that those found guilty of election-related offences face the law.
The governor's remarks were sparked by recent controversy surrounding former Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol Munoo's alleged inflammatory statements targeting the Luhya community. Kachapin condemned Munoo's remarks, accusing him of repeatedly making statements that could fuel hostility between the Pokot and Luhya communities. Munoo allegedly suggested that the Luhya community should be killed with arrows.
Kachapin also criticized security officers over the chaos witnessed in Sigor during President William Ruto's recent development tour of West Pokot County. The incident resulted in the death of one person and left several others injured. The governor accused security officers of failing to act on intelligence that could have helped prevent the violence.
The governor urged political leaders to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could threaten the lives of individuals or entire communities as the country approaches the next general election. He also called for reforms to give NCIC stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to prosecute offenders and ensure that those found guilty face the law.
Kachapin reiterated that maintaining peace and stability in West Pokot was essential, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election. He urged security agencies to investigate the Sigor incident, identify those responsible, and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The governor's comments highlight the ongoing challenges related to hate speech and incitement in Kenya. As the country prepares for the next general election, concerns about the potential for violence and the role of leaders in promoting or preventing it continue to grow.
Key points
- West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has called for the disbandment of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) due to its alleged failure to curb hate speech and incitement.
