National Cohesion Commission Sounds Alarm Over Anarchy
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a definitive warning regarding the rapid resurgence of political intolerance, organized hooliganism, and divisive rhetoric across Kenya. Led by Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae, the commission cautioned that the unchecked deployment of armed gangs and hate speech threatens to subvert democratic institutions and push the nation into lawlessness.
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The commission’s intervention comes amid growing public outcry over coordinated attacks against political delegations, private businesses, and press crews in regional tours across the country. As political competition intensifies, the peace watchdog warned that weaponizing youth gangs—commonly known as “goons”—erodes national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Core Structural Risks Identified by the Commission
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| NCIC RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX |
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| THREAT CATEGORY | OPERATIONAL CONCERN |
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| Goon Mobilization | Hired youth gangs deployed to block transport |
| Institutional Safety | Attacks spilling into hotels & place of worship |
| Media Intimidation | Violent targeting of reporters and media assets |
| Rhetoric & Profiling | Inflammatory messaging bordering on incitement |
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1. Zero Tolerance for “Goonism” and Mobilized Gangs
In statements covered by KBC Digital, Bishop Dr. Kepha Omae explicitly warned that the era of political actors hiring armed youth to disrupt opponent rallies and paralyze local businesses must come to an end. The commission emphasized that political entities will be held directly accountable for orchestrating violence or deploying hired mobs.
2. Attacks on Press Freedom and Public Infrastructure
The NCIC expressed deep concern over recent incidents where public transport corridors were barricaded, local hotel accommodations were raided, and journalists covering political events were physically assaulted. The commission noted that targeting media personnel undermines constitutional freedoms and suppresses public transparency.
3. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Legal Action
To ensure swift accountability, the NCIC announced enhanced monitoring of public rallies, mainstream broadcasts, and digital platforms in partnership with key state bodies:
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Regulatory Synergy:
[NCIC Field & Digital Surveillance] ➔ [Communications Authority & DCI Evidence Gathering] ➔ [ODPP Prosecution]
The commission is collaborating directly with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to identify, name, and prosecute actors instigating ethnic profiling or political violence.
Appeal to Citizens and Political Parties
Bishop Dr. Kepha Omae called on Kenyan youth to resist financial exploitation by political figures who recruit them for violent disruptions. Reminding leaders that public discourse carries significant weight, the NCIC urged political parties across the spectrum to reject toxic rhetoric, adhere to democratic principles, and prioritize national cohesion over short-term political gains.
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