The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has raised concerns over the growing use of inflammatory language by political leaders and public figures, warning that the trend threatens national unity and public order.

Kanja spoke before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute. He said divisive rhetoric could undo the progress Kenya has made in promoting peaceful coexistence among its communities.

“As the country approaches the 2027 General Elections, a period of heightened political activity, the Service remains vigilant and committed to preventing incitement, hate speech and any acts likely to disrupt national unity and stability,” Kanja told the committee.

He said recent months have seen a rise in inflammatory remarks during political rallies, public meetings, media interviews and on digital platforms.

According to Kanja, the remarks include ethnic stereotyping, insults, political incitement, misleading claims about government projects, and the misuse of social media to spread misinformation and disinformation.

He warned that the rapid growth of digital communication has increased the speed and reach of such content, forcing security agencies to strengthen investigations and preventive measures.

Legal framework and enforcement

Kanja said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) works with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to enforce the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

He added that officers also rely on the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, the Penal Code and the Public Order Act.

“These laws empower the Service to investigate, arrest and facilitate prosecution of individuals engaged in hate speech, incitement, ethnic profiling and dissemination of harmful digital content,” he said.

Kanja said the National Police Service has strengthened its cooperation with the NCIC. The DCI has seconded officers to the commission to improve investigative capacity.

The two institutions receive and analyse complaints together, gather evidence, arrest suspects and prepare case files in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

He noted that the NPS Forensic Laboratory at DCI headquarters provides technical support. Officers extract data from digital devices, authenticate online content, track inflammatory statements and prepare forensic reports for court.

Twelve cases in one year

Over the past year, the Service and the NCIC have recorded and investigated twelve cases linked to inflammatory remarks and related offences across the country.

The cases involve hate speech, ethnic contempt, incitement to violence, cyber harassment and the spread of inflammatory content.

Kanja said most cases remain under investigation, while a few have moved through the legal process.

“These cases demonstrate that inflammatory utterances continue to pose a real and emerging threat to national cohesion and peaceful coexistence, particularly when made by influential individuals whose statements carry significant public impact,” he said.

He listed several challenges, including foreign-based social media accounts outside Kenya’s jurisdiction, politicisation of enforcement, encrypted platforms, anonymous accounts and coordinated misinformation campaigns.

Kanja called for stronger international cooperation, possible legal reforms and continued public awareness efforts.

Going forward, he said the Service will deepen cooperation with the NCIC and ODPP, improve digital forensic capacity, strengthen early warning systems and expand public education on responsible communication.

He stressed that the Service will remain professional and apolitical.

“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the law, preserve public order and safeguard national unity and stability,” he said.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma had earlier raised concerns about the rise in inflammatory remarks by political and public figures.