NCIC call for end to Azimio planned rallies, claim they fuel hate speech

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called on the Raila-led Azimio One Kenya coalition to put an end to the ongoing political rallies saying they stir up hate speech.

In a statement today, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia said the rallies are being used to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.

“We call on former Prime Minister to cease holding these political rallies because he is really the critical leader when it comes to now taking the country back to election mode. We cannot afford that as a country,”

Kobia said Kenyans have moved on after the general election and are demanding for a peaceful environment to continue building their livelihoods.

“We reiterate our effort to ensure that we do not slide back to divisive politics that will derail our socio-economic development. Leaders who speak at these political rallies must be aware that they will be held personally responsible for their utterances while at political rallies,” Kobia observed.

“This is the stance that the commission has taken and will execute without fear or favor. We are calling upon all leaders to stop utterances that can lead to ethnic animosity. As a commission, we shall endeavour to ensure that Kenya remains united, peaceful and cohesive to attain a just and equitable society living in peace, unity, and dignity.”

Kobia said that the commission together with other law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring to ensure Kenyans are not divided along ethnic lines and political beliefs.

The commission had earlier warned that the recent political development could plunge the country into chaos if not well managed and if leaders fail to be responsible especially on matters ethnicity.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has stood firm on his victory at the August 9,2022 general elections after claims by an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) whistleblower provided files that claimed Raila won with far more votes than President William Ruto did.

Since the start of the ‘public consultative meetings’, the opposition has pushed for the resignation of the Kenya Kwanza resignation calling out their administration as illegitimate.

Following one of the rallies, Korogocho Member of County Assembly Absalom Odhiambo Onyango was summoned by detectives over alleged incitement made during the Kamukunji grounds protest.

He was however released today after being detained at Kiambu police station as investigations continue.