The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify efforts to curb hate speech and political incitement ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that early intervention will be critical in preventing election-related violence.
Speaking during a consultative meeting between the two institutions, the church said Kenya should not wait until political tensions escalate before addressing inflammatory rhetoric and acts of incitement.
NCCK proposed the establishment of a dedicated hate speech monitoring and rapid response unit that would track inflammatory statements, collect evidence and facilitate the prosecution of offenders regardless of their political affiliation.
The church argued that consistent enforcement of the law would help discourage divisive politics and promote peaceful campaigns as the country prepares for the next general election.
Church warns of rising political tensions
NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui said Kenya’s electoral history demonstrates that elections involving an incumbent president often generate heightened political competition and increased tension.
He noted that previous election cycles had experienced episodes of violence before, during and after voting, emphasizing the need for institutions mandated to promote national cohesion to act proactively.
According to Kinyanjui, failure to address hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and political incitement at an early stage could increase the likelihood of unrest as political campaigns intensify.
The council urged leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid language that could inflame communities or deepen divisions.
Call to tackle political violence
Beyond hate speech, NCCK urged NCIC to work closely with county and community peace committees to identify and prosecute individuals accused of financing political gangs.
The church expressed concern over the growing use of hired groups to intimidate opponents, disrupt political meetings and interfere with public gatherings.
It further called on the commission to demonstrate impartiality by enforcing the law equally against offenders from all political parties, saying public confidence in the institution depends on fair and independent action.
NCCK also recommended that NCIC publish clear cohesion and conflict-prevention guidelines that political parties and candidates should observe throughout the election period.
NCIC welcomes proposals
NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae welcomed the recommendations, saying they align with the commission’s constitutional mandate of promoting national cohesion, peaceful coexistence and integration.
He said the commission values its partnership with faith-based organisations and acknowledged the role religious institutions continue to play in peacebuilding across the country.
Omae proposed a structured collaboration between NCIC and NCCK through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen joint peace initiatives and civic engagement programmes.
He also expressed support for continued collaboration under initiatives such as the Uwiano Platform for Peace and the Amani Conference.
Peace pledge planned before elections
As part of its preparations for the 2027 polls, NCIC announced plans to launch a peace pledge during the upcoming Amani Conference.
The initiative will invite political leaders to publicly commit themselves to peaceful campaigns, responsible political conduct and non-violent elections.
The commission said the pledge is intended to reinforce accountability among political actors while encouraging issue-based campaigns that promote national unity rather than division.
Both NCCK and NCIC maintained that sustained collaboration between government institutions, religious organisations and local communities will be essential in safeguarding peace and strengthening public confidence in Kenya’s democratic process as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.
