The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing wave of political intolerance, hate speech, incitement, and politically motivated violence across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman warned that hostile political discourse both online and offline is threatening national cohesion, democratic participation, and peaceful coexistence ahead of heightened political activity in the country.
The Commission said incidents targeting individuals over their political opinions, affiliations, or public statements have become increasingly concerning.
“The Commission expresses profound concern over the alarming surge in political intolerance, threats, incitement, and violence witnessed across the country,” the statement said in part.
Concerns Over Toxic Political Rhetoric
According to the Commission, the spread of misinformation, divisive political messaging, and inflammatory remarks is undermining democratic values protected under the Constitution of Kenya.
The Ombudsman warned that political engagement should never descend into hatred, intimidation, or violence.
“Violence can never be legitimized as a tool of political engagement,” the Commission stated.
The constitutional body further noted that while Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right should not be misused to spread hatred, division, or political intolerance.
Instead, the Commission urged Kenyans to exercise constitutional freedoms responsibly while respecting the rights and dignity of others.
Call for Leaders to Promote Peace
The Ombudsman called on political leaders to embrace tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and respect for differing opinions, especially during politically sensitive periods.
The Commission stressed that no Kenyan should face intimidation, threats, or violence because of political beliefs or affiliations.
It also cited Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and Article 38, which protects political rights and civic participation.
“No citizen should face threats, violence, intimidation, or loss of life merely for their political beliefs or affiliations,” the statement added.
NCIC and Police Urged to Act
Using its suo moto powers, the Commission urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify oversight against hate speech, incitement, and inflammatory political remarks.
At the same time, it called on the National Police Service, investigative agencies, and other state institutions to enforce existing laws and take swift action against individuals found culpable.
The Ombudsman said protecting Kenya’s democracy requires accountability, vigilance, and adherence to constitutional principles.
Democracy at Risk
Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo warned that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where citizens fear persecution or violence for expressing political views.
“Kenya must steadfastly remain a nation anchored in constitutionalism, reverence for human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and the unyielding rule of law,” Dulo said.
The Commission appealed to political leaders, the media, and members of the public to reject divisive rhetoric and instead promote respectful dialogue and peaceful engagement.
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing wave of political intolerance, hate speech, incitement, and politically motivated violence across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman warned that hostile political discourse both online and offline is threatening national cohesion, democratic participation, and peaceful coexistence ahead of heightened political activity in the country.
The Commission said incidents targeting individuals over their political opinions, affiliations, or public statements have become increasingly concerning.
“The Commission expresses profound concern over the alarming surge in political intolerance, threats, incitement, and violence witnessed across the country,” the statement said in part.
Concerns Over Toxic Political Rhetoric
According to the Commission, the spread of misinformation, divisive political messaging, and inflammatory remarks is undermining democratic values protected under the Constitution of Kenya.
The Ombudsman warned that political engagement should never descend into hatred, intimidation, or violence.
“Violence can never be legitimized as a tool of political engagement,” the Commission stated.
The constitutional body further noted that while Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right should not be misused to spread hatred, division, or political intolerance.
Instead, the Commission urged Kenyans to exercise constitutional freedoms responsibly while respecting the rights and dignity of others.
Call for Leaders to Promote Peace
The Ombudsman called on political leaders to embrace tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and respect for differing opinions, especially during politically sensitive periods.
The Commission stressed that no Kenyan should face intimidation, threats, or violence because of political beliefs or affiliations.
It also cited Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and Article 38, which protects political rights and civic participation.
“No citizen should face threats, violence, intimidation, or loss of life merely for their political beliefs or affiliations,” the statement added.
NCIC and Police Urged to Act
Using its suo moto powers, the Commission urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify oversight against hate speech, incitement, and inflammatory political remarks.
At the same time, it called on the National Police Service, investigative agencies, and other state institutions to enforce existing laws and take swift action against individuals found culpable.
The Ombudsman said protecting Kenya’s democracy requires accountability, vigilance, and adherence to constitutional principles.
Democracy at Risk
Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo warned that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where citizens fear persecution or violence for expressing political views.
“Kenya must steadfastly remain a nation anchored in constitutionalism, reverence for human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and the unyielding rule of law,” Dulo said.
The Commission appealed to political leaders, the media, and members of the public to reject divisive rhetoric and instead promote respectful dialogue and peaceful engagement.
