The newly appointed National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) officials named by President William Ruto are unlikely to enjoy a smooth start in office, as the country’s political temperature—often marked by vitriol and hate speech—continues to rise sharply.
The new team will be tasked with addressing a wide range of challenges, including curbing hate speech, fostering unity among divided communities, and operating under tightening budget constraints.
On Friday, Ruto nominated Kepha Nyamweya Omae as NCIC Chairperson, subject to parliamentary approval.
In an announcement made by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, on Friday, April 10, the President also nominated seven members of the commission.
Koskei stated that he has already notified the National Assembly to begin the vetting and subsequent approval of the appointees.
“His Excellency the President has this morning caused nominations to the ranks of the membership of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The appointments come at a time of rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians increasingly engaging in personal attacks—gaps the NCIC is expected to help address.
Nyamweya is a senior pastor at Liberty Christian Centre, an ordained minister of the Redeemed Gospel Church Inc, and serves as the church’s presiding bishop.
Others nominated by the Head of State include Josphine Kirion Eragae, Joseph K. Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi, Irene Chepoisho Tulel, Hassan Billow Ahmed, and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael, who will serve as members of the statutory body as the country prepares for the next general elections and the ensuing political period.
The Commission has, however, faced criticism from Kenyans and leaders over its perceived failure to curb hate speech by politicians.
In February, a House Committee placed the NCIC on the spot over what it described as a surge in political gangs and hate speech across the country.
The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, during a meeting chaired by Hon. Adan Haji (Mandera West), accused the agency of failing to decisively rein in offenders as the country moves into a politically charged period.
The Committee told the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Daniel Giti, that Kenyans were increasingly witnessing gangs disrupting public rallies and politicians openly engaging in inflammatory rhetoric without consequence.
“NCIC has normalised political gangs, insults, and hate speeches during public rallies across the country,” claimed Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, who also serves as the Committee’s vice chairperson.
He added, “As the political heat is picking up, we are witnessing scary incidents of political gangs attacking rivals in rallies. This is a bad precedent.”
He warned that the trend risks plunging the country back into instability.
Hon. Mathenge questioned the Commission’s handling of a case involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had allegedly ignored a summons to appear before the agency over hate speech claims.
“Is the Commission toothless? Why have you not taken further action on the former DP?” he posed.
Nominated MP Joseph Iraya cautioned that failure to act firmly could reverse gains made in promoting national cohesion.
“If urgent action is not taken, we will go back to the dark days because of bad politics. The Commission needs to stamp its authority,” said Iraya.
Haji raised concerns over the effectiveness of county peace committees, noting that some had become breeding grounds for conflict due to entrenched leadership.
“Leaders of some of the peace committees have stayed in the office for more than 10 years, turning out to be the engineers of conflicts,” he said.
He urged capacity building to enhance their professionalism and productivity.
In his response, Dr Giti dismissed claims that the Commission was ineffective and said it was working closely with security agencies to bring offenders to book.
On the Gachagua matter, he stated: “The case has been concluded and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action.”
The CEO further appealed to political leaders to act as ambassadors of peace and revealed that plans were underway to operationalise regional offices to strengthen enforcement and monitoring efforts across the country.
Currently, the Commission is pushing for legal amendments to grant it prosecutorial powers.
A 2025 amendment Bill seeks to give NCIC the power to issue prohibition notices, halt harmful conduct within seven days, and tighten conflict-of-interest rules ahead of the 2027 elections.
