“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission Takes a Stand!”
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is taking a stand against the planned political activities of Azimio, led by opposition chief Raila Odinga. NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia warned that the planned rallies could disrupt peace and harm the already struggling economy of the country.
However, Azimio is not backing down, with rallies planned for Nairobi and Machakos next week. Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi stated that the rallies, dubbed “People’s Baraza”, will continue and will address the critical challenges facing the country, including the high cost of living and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Despite NCIC’s call for the suspension of all political activities, Wandayi urged the public to attend the barazas and deliberate on the future of Kenya. “The IEBC is down and out, destroyed by Wafula Chebukati, but the government wants to populate it with more Wafula Chebukatis of its own choice,” Wandayi stated, adding that Kenyans must find a way to stop the IEBC from taking the country to war again.
NCIC linked the Azimio activities to the re-emergence of political incitements and hate speech, with the Commission’s social media investigations team flagging 30 cases in January 2023 alone. Kobia warned that leaders speaking at political rallies will be held personally responsible for their utterances and that the Commission will execute its stance without fear or favor.
Kobia emphasized that the rallies risk ruining the country’s good relations with the international community and its special place as an economic powerhouse in the region. The Commission, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Kenyans are not divided along ethnic and political lines.
