National Cohesion and Integration Commission CEO Daniel Mutegi addresses the press in Machakos county on Wednesday /KNA

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The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has expressed concern over public spats among politicians, warning that such disputes risk fuelling clashes.

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NCIC chief executive Daniel Mutegi urged leaders to tone down personal feuds and resolve disputes through dialogue.

Mutegi spoke during the official opening of the Sixth Edition of the Amani Clubs Debate Championships in Machakos County on Wednesday.

Mutegi said the commission is pushing for a bill that would allow it to recommend and fast-track hate speech prosecutions directly to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, curbing divisive speech.

“NCIC is disturbed and perturbed about these statements. When our commissioners come on board, we are going to prosecute some of these cases,” he said.

The Amani Clubs event, running from April 8 to 10, brings together students from 26 countries to foster dialogue, critical thinking and peaceful coexistence.

NCIC’s Amani Clubs, present in more than 600 schools with over 29,000 students, teach conflict resolution, appreciation of diversity and peaceful politics.

Mutegi said the commission has strategies to monitor statements even in local dialects, working with the Communications Authority of Kenya to ensure offenders are held accountable.

“We prosecute all Kenyans who commit such offences, regardless of seniority,” he said.

He explained the legal process, noting that the National Cohesion and Integration Amendment Bill—already passed at the third reading in Parliament—would give NCIC authority to arrest and prosecute offenders independently, without relying on other government agencies.

Mutegi added that while some political statements may not qualify as hate speech, they could breach leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

The commission works with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and church leaders to ensure leaders remain accountable and uphold national cohesion.