The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised fresh concerns over rising ethnic rhetoric by political leaders and escalating violence across the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national unity as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.

In a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Mutegi Giti, noted with concern the disturbing surge in intercommunal conflicts, largely driven by resource scarcity following the failed short rains season of 2025 and exacerbated by inflammatory political speech.

“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission notes with concern the disturbing escalation of violent conflicts that constitute a direct threat to Kenya’s national peace and unity,” the commission stated.

Intercommunal clashes

According to NCIC, counties including Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Narok and Turkana have experienced violent clashes that have led to loss of life, displacement of families and destruction of property worth millions of shillings.

The commission cited a cross-border attack by armed assailants from Ethiopia’s Hamar villages on January 13, 2026, targeting the Dasenach community in Marsabit County, which left six people dead, eight injured, and saw the theft of over 500 cattle and 200 goats.

NCIC further highlighted an armed ambush on a livestock lorry in Samburu County, resulting in two deaths and three injuries, and violent clashes over land and water in Tana River County that have left eleven people dead since December 2025 and the Ang’ata Barikoi clashes between the Kuria and Kipsigis communities.

“The Commission views with serious concern the formation of ethnic alliances that threaten to entrench divisions along ethnic lines and permanently fragment communities,” the statement read.

Ethnic contempt

The commission expressed particular concern over remarks by Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, which it said amounted to ethnic contempt and discriminatory threats regarding access to Constituency Development Fund resources.

“The Commission strongly condemns recent remarks attributed to Nakuru West Member of Parliament Hon. Samuel Arama, which constitute ethnic contempt and threaten to exacerbate ethnic divisions across the nation,” the statement read.

NCIC stated that it has commenced formal investigations and demanded an immediate apology from the MP.

“We wish to remind all leaders that public resources are constitutionally established for the benefit of all Kenyans and must be accessed without discrimination. The Commission demands an immediate and unequivocal apology to affected communities and has commenced formal investigations into this matter,” the statement added.

Comprehensive action

The Commission called on political, community, and religious leaders to halt the use of divisive rhetoric, strengthen dialogue, and support comprehensive peacebuilding initiatives.

It also urged media and social media platforms to promote responsible reporting, emphasising the need for long-term investments in climate adaptation, water infrastructure, and alternative livelihoods to reduce conflict drivers.

“All leaders; political, religious, and community, are hereby reminded that public office constitutes a constitutional trust held on behalf of all Kenyans and must be exercised with restraint, responsibility, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law,” the Commission stated.

“The Commission will not waver in the execution of our mandate of ensuring peaceful coexistence among all Kenyans,” NCIC added.