The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned politicians against intolerance and divisive politics ahead of the August 2022 polls. 

In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, September 7, NCIC Chairperson Dr Samuel Kobia highlighted two instances in January 2021 and September 5, 2021 where two leading politicians experienced difficulties while accessing certain regions across the country. 

Kobia said that in January, youths blocked Senator Gideon Moi from accessing a part of Nandi County. 

“This incident was taken with cheers from one side of the political divide and with jeers from another,” the NCIC chair said. 

Kobia also pointed out a January 27 clash between supporters of Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga in Githurai which led to the injuries of a few people in what NCIC said revealed how intolerant Kenyan politics can be. 

In a recent incident witnessed on Sunday 5, NCIC made reference to the stoning of Ruto’s motorcade in Naro More that saw Ruto being blocked from accessing a church in Kieni, Nyeri County. 

“This is clearly therefore a worrying trend that is forming. NCIC would like to remind Kenyans that all politicians have a right to spread ideas to all parts of the country. This is the best way for us as a nation to weigh our options as we approach,” Kobia said.