NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has strongly condemned the violent assault on Rachel Wandeto, warning that growing political intolerance threatens national cohesion and constitutional democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission described the incident, which reportedly occurred on May 16 in Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi County, as a direct violation of constitutional rights and democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
The Commission said the attack was not only directed at an individual but also undermined the constitutional framework that protects political participation, freedom of expression, and personal security.
“The assault on Ms. Muthoni is a violation of each of these provisions. It is an attack not only on one individual, but also on the constitutional framework that governs political participation in Kenya,” the statement read in part.
NCIC Cites Constitutional Violations
The Commission referenced several constitutional provisions, including Article 28 on human dignity, Article 29(c) on freedom and security of the person, Article 33 on freedom of expression, and Article 38 on political rights.
According to the Commission, no Kenyan should face violence, intimidation, or persecution because of political opinions or affiliations.
The NCIC also cited provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, noting that the law criminalises threatening conduct, hate speech, incitement, and actions likely to cause public disorder.
The Commission stated that the alleged assault falls within the scope of offences it is legally mandated to address.
Police Praised Over Investigations
The Commission commended the National Police Service and investigative agencies for moving swiftly to investigate the incident.
It urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that all individuals found responsible are prosecuted fully under the law.
“This response is consistent with the obligations placed on the National Police Service under Article 244(c) and Article 244(d) of the Constitution,” the statement added.
The constitutional body further warned political leaders against inflammatory rhetoric and divisive mobilisation.
According to the Commission, leaders carry a responsibility to uphold national values under Article 10 of the Constitution, including human dignity, inclusiveness, equality, and non-discrimination.
Warning to Political Leaders
The NCIC cautioned that the behaviour of political supporters often reflects the tone set by leaders in public discourse.
It therefore called on politicians across the political divide to publicly reject violence and promote tolerance among their supporters.
“The Commission therefore calls upon leaders across the political divide to publicly denounce political violence, to promote tolerance within their support bases, and to desist from inflammatory rhetoric,” the statement said.
The Commission also warned that it would invoke its full statutory powers under the National Cohesion and Integration Act against any political leader or associate found to have encouraged or facilitated violence.
The statement was signed by Daniel Mutegi Giti.
The Commission concluded by expressing condolences to the family of Rachel Muthoni, insisting that Kenya’s democracy cannot thrive in an environment where citizens fear violence for expressing political views.
“No woman, and no Kenyan, should suffer violence or lose her life for holding or expressing a political opinion,” the Commission stated.
