NAIROBI, Kenya — The Commission on Administrative Justice has raised concern over what it describes as a dangerous rise in political intolerance, hate speech, and politically motivated violence across the country.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman warned that increasing hostility in public discourse and digital spaces was threatening national cohesion, democratic participation, and peaceful coexistence.
The Commission said incidents targeting individuals because of their perceived political opinions, affiliations, or public statements had become increasingly alarming.
“The Commission expresses profound concern over the alarming surge in political intolerance, threats, incitement, and violence witnessed across the country,” the statement read in part.
The constitutional commission warned that inflammatory political rhetoric, harassment, and intimidation could fuel wider unrest if left unchecked.
Warning Over Toxic Political Climate
According to the Commission, the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and divisive political messaging is steadily eroding democratic values protected under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
It cautioned that political discourse must not be allowed to degenerate into hatred, personal attacks, or violence.
“Violence can never be legitimized as a tool of political engagement,” the Commission stated.
The Ombudsman further noted that while Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the right should not be abused to spread hatred, division, or political intolerance.
Instead, the Commission said constitutional freedoms must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights and dignity of others.
Political leaders were urged to promote tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and respect for differing opinions, especially during periods of heightened political activity.
Calls for Action by NCIC and Police
Exercising its suo moto powers, the Commission called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to immediately strengthen oversight against hate speech, incitement, and inflammatory political remarks.
At the same time, it urged the National Police Service, investigative agencies, and other State institutions to enforce existing laws and take swift action against individuals found culpable.
The Commission stressed that no Kenyan should face threats, intimidation, or violence because of political beliefs or affiliations.
It also cited Article 26 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life, and Article 38, which guarantees political rights and civic participation.
“No citizen should face threats, violence, intimidation, or loss of life merely for their political beliefs or affiliations,” the statement added.
Democracy Under Pressure
The Commission appealed to political leaders, the media, and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and instead embrace respectful dialogue and peaceful engagement.
“Kenya must steadfastly remain a nation anchored in constitutionalism, reverence for human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and the unyielding rule of law,” said Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo.
The Ombudsman maintained that democracy cannot thrive where citizens fear persecution, intimidation, or violence for expressing political opinions, warning that protecting Kenya’s democratic fabric requires vigilance, accountability, and fidelity to the Constitution.
