NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned that rising political intolerance, violence and inflammatory rhetoric could plunge Kenya into lawlessness, following unrest reported during political activities in Homa Bay County.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission condemned incidents of political violence and intolerance in Homa Bay, describing them as “unfortunate and worrying” and warning that such actions pose a threat to peace, security and democratic participation.
“The Commission reiterates that any Kenyan is allowed to hold political activities in any part of the country as long as they do not break the law. While these rights are fundamental, they must be exercised responsibly, without incitement to violence, hate speech, or disorder,” the commission said.
The NCIC said it had begun the process of summoning political actors it considers responsible for the unrest as part of efforts to establish accountability.
It also called on political leaders, their supporters and young people to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate political tensions.
The commission warned against the use of young people and political supporters to perpetrate violence or disrupt peaceful democratic activities, saying political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into confrontation.
NCIC invokes constitutional rights
The commission cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
However, the NCIC stressed that these constitutional freedoms must be exercised within the law and alongside the responsibility to preserve peace, security and public order.
It condemned what it described as rising political intolerance and negative political rhetoric across the country, warning that violence, disruption and incitement could result in loss of life, destruction of property and further undermine national cohesion.
The commission urged political leaders and their supporters to reject divisive rhetoric and instead embrace tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
“Political competition should not be allowed to become hostility, violence or ethnic antagonism,” the commission said, stressing that differences in political opinion should strengthen rather than weaken Kenya’s democratic institutions.
Homa Bay unrest
The warning follows ugly scenes reported during Linda Mwananchi political activities in Homa Bay County on Sunday, where a vehicle was reportedly torched and several people, including journalists, injured.
Police also arrested 17 suspects in connection with the unrest.
The reported attacks allegedly began on Saturday night when a group of people attacked Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, where Linda Mwananchi supporters were staying. Windows were reportedly shattered, property destroyed and items stolen before the attackers left on motorcycles.
The group was also reportedly armed with stones and sticks as it moved through Nyandiwa in Suba South, where the Linda Mwananchi team was scheduled to attend a church service.
The incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of political gatherings as parties and political formations increase grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua convoy attacked
The NCIC’s warning also comes days after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy was reportedly attacked during a political rally in Nakuru on Friday.
The commission has condemned excessive use of force alongside political violence, stressing that peaceful democratic participation requires both protection of constitutional rights and adherence to the rule of law.
The NCIC’s intervention comes amid growing political activity across the country, with leaders from both the government and opposition holding rallies and mobilising supporters ahead of the next General Election.
The commission said all political actors have a responsibility to ensure their activities do not threaten public safety or deepen divisions, urging Kenyans to resolve political differences through peaceful and lawful means.
