Senator Catherine Mumma has taken a firm stand, highlighting the growing concern over inflammatory remarks by influential public figures and political leaders.

In a statement to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, she sought urgent intervention from the Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration, warning that unchecked utterances are threatening Kenya’s social fabric.

“She emphasised that such utterances are contrary to Article 33(2) of the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008,” read the statement posted on Parliament’s Facebook page.

According to Mumma, the recent surge in divisive rhetoric—particularly statements made along ethnic lines—violates the Constitution and undermines national cohesion efforts. She cited Article 33(2) of the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, both of which prohibit hate speech, incitement to violence, and advocacy of ethnic hatred.

Misuse of media platforms

The senator expressed concern over the misuse of both traditional and digital media to spread propaganda, incite violence, and promote ethnic animosity. She noted that such actions contravene Article 27(4) of the Constitution, which protects Kenyans from discrimination.

Mumma called on the Committee to investigate the steps taken by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to monitor and curb harmful communication. She also questioned whether the NCIC has proposed any policy reforms aimed at strengthening internet governance, particularly around the regulation of social media platforms where hate speech often spreads unchecked.

“The NCIC must clarify whether it has recommended any policy changes that would enhance regulation of online platforms to prevent the spread of propaganda of war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or ethnic vilification,” her statement read.

Call for collaboration

In addition to regulatory measures, the senator emphasised the need for collaboration between key national institutions.

She requested the Committee to establish whether the NCIC is working closely with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Mumma also asked for a clear outline of the steps being taken to promote responsible communication, particularly among leaders. She stressed the importance of ensuring that freedom of expression is exercised in a way that fosters unity rather than ethnic polarisation.

As the country continues to navigate a complex socio-political environment, Senator Mumma’s intervention adds urgency to the national conversation on hate speech and divisive rhetoric. The Committee’s response is expected to set the tone for how Kenya will balance free speech with the responsibility to protect national cohesion.