The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is advocating for enhanced measures to promote peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a recent interview, NCIC Chairman Bishop Kepha Nyamweya revealed plans for a peace charter that all political parties will be required to sign. This initiative aims to foster peaceful conduct throughout the electoral period.
Candidate Vetting Process
The commission is pushing for a new protocol whereby all aspirants must be cleared by NCIC, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, and finally approved by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) before contesting any political seat. This multi-agency approach seeks to ensure that candidates uphold principles of cohesion and non-violence.
Collaborative Roadmap for Peaceful Elections
Nyamweya outlined a comprehensive roadmap involving various state agencies and political stakeholders to guarantee violence-free polls. He emphasized that responsibility will not rest solely on NCIC but will be shared across multiple institutions.
Addressing Rising Political Violence
The chairman expressed concern over increasing ethnic polarisation, hate speech, and incitement linked to political activities, citing recent violent incidents such as those at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay. The commission has summoned local MP Peter Kaluma over contentious remarks made prior to a political gathering.
Ending Organised Political Violence
Nyamweya called for decisive action against organised criminal gangs involved in election-related violence, urging all Kenyans to reject such disruptive behaviour in the interest of national unity.
The NCIC continues to collaborate closely with the Registrar of Political Parties, IEBC, National Police Service, and other key agencies to implement these initiatives as part of broader efforts to curb hate speech, ethnic mobilisation, and violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
