National Assembly speaking Moses Wentang'ula during a meeting with NCIC team at Parliament Buildings on August 5,2026/HANDOUT
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to rebuild public trust and take a more active role in promoting national unity.
Wetang'ula warned that the agency should not only become visible during election periods.
Speaking when he hosted the Commission, led by Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, August 5, Wetang'ula said NCIC must address longstanding concerns that have weakened public confidence in its work.
"NCIC suffers from serious trust issues. The Commission was formed from the ashes of the 2007 post-election violence to bridge divisions created by political differences. It should not be active only during elections," he said.
The Speaker said the Commission must confront recurring challenges that undermine its constitutional mandate and instead remain engaged throughout the electoral cycle.
He argued that lasting national cohesion can only be achieved through continuous civic education aimed at changing public attitudes.
"The education process to change our mindset is far more important," Wetang'ula said.
The Speaker also cautioned against the misuse of ethnic identity for political gain, saying diversity should not be turned into a tool for discrimination.
"There is nothing wrong with belonging to a particular ethnic community. The problem comes when that identity is used to oppress and disadvantage others," he said.
He urged NCIC to work closely with the Ministry of Education to promote national unity among learners, saying young people hold the key to changing future attitudes.
"Let us help the Ministry of Education build a culture of unity among our children because they are the ones who will change the mindset of future generations," he said.
Wetang'ula further called for stronger collaboration between NCIC and key institutions, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
"You have the power to investigate, but prosecution rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions. NCIC needs to carve out its niche, clean its own house and earn the respect of Kenyans. Parliament will support the Commission within the law," he said.
The Speaker noted that elections are a continuous process rather than a single-day event and said the Commission has a crucial responsibility in tackling hate speech and political incitement.
"Elections are not just about casting a vote; they are a process, and NCIC has a critical role in helping police communities against hate speech and leaders who sow disharmony," he said.
NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae said the Commission had already begun preparations for the 2027 General Election through a roadmap centred on prevention, engagement and collaboration.
"We have a roadmap. We are seeking collaborations with other agencies and all political players in the country. We seek to end polarisation and ethnicity," Omae said.
He said the Commission would continue engaging political leaders to encourage responsible conduct.
"We clearly ask our leaders to tone down. We call for sanity and healthy politics," he said.
Omae added that NCIC would strengthen community outreach by working with elders, religious leaders and other opinion shapers while expanding programmes in schools and learning institutions.
"We will engage schools and all other learning institutions. This roadmap will help us deal with emerging issues in our communities," he said.
NCIC Commissioner Jerusha Mwaathime also appealed for stronger cooperation with government agencies and urged Parliament to enhance the Commission's investigative mandate.
"We need stronger criminal remedies to address some incidents during investigations. The Commission's powers need to be expanded to allow more comprehensive investigations," Mwaathime said.
