The newly appointed leadership of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has pledged to intensify the fight against hate speech, political intolerance and ethnic division ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The seven commissioners were sworn into office on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, marking the beginning of a six-year term for the new team tasked with safeguarding national cohesion.

The commission will be chaired by Kepha Nyamweya, who said the country was entering a politically sensitive period characterised by rising tensions, ethnic profiling and violence linked to political competition.

“It is a sacred duty. It is about healing Kenya,” Nyamweya said after taking the oath of office.

President William Ruto appointed the commissioners on May 6, 2026, following a recruitment exercise conducted by a selection panel and subsequent approval by Parliament.

The commissioners sworn in are Josphine Kirion Eragae, Joseph K. Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi, Irene Chepoisho Tulel, Hassan Billow Ahmed and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael.

Nyamweya said the commission would prioritise tackling hate speech and divisive rhetoric, warning that inflammatory political statements could undermine peace and national unity in the lead-up to the next election.

He noted that Kenya was still grappling with the effects of ethnic, political and social divisions that continue to threaten cohesion across communities.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, equality and mutual respect,” he said.

The chairperson said the commission would strengthen interventions at the national, county and grassroots levels to rebuild trust among communities and reinforce peaceful coexistence.

Taming violence

The commissioners also condemned the growing trend of using youths to disrupt political gatherings, intimidate rivals and fuel violence during political activities.

“No Kenyan should be attacked, threatened or excluded because of politics. No young person should be recruited, paid or used to intimidate, disrupt, assault or silence others,” Nyamweya stated.

The new leadership urged political leaders to exercise restraint in public discourse and avoid statements that could inflame ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.

Nyamweya further appealed to Parliament to fast-track the proposed NCIC Act 2026, saying the law would strengthen the commission’s mandate and align its operations with constitutional requirements.

He also commended the Judiciary for establishing special courts to handle hate speech-related cases, saying the move would help reinforce accountability.

The appointments come at a time of growing concern over political violence, inflammatory remarks and heightened ethnic tensions reported in different parts of the country in recent months.

According to the commission, the new team will focus on impartial service delivery, early intervention in emerging conflicts and collaboration with religious groups, civil society organisations and state agencies to promote national unity.

“We begin this journey with one rallying call, one Kenya, one people, one shared destiny,” the new NCIC boss said.