NCIC official slams politicians for sabotaging commission’s power
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Commissioner Danvas Makori has accused politicians of deliberately undermining the commission’s authority.
In an interview with a local TV station on June 4, 2025, Makori noted with concern that the politicians have rendered the commission toothless, particularly in its efforts to combat hate speech and ethnic incitement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The act was created and written by the politicians who knew for a fact and who have talked to many who were part of the initial draft out of fear; they did not want to empower this commission because they knew what we could do, arrest or prosecute many, so they were intentional in writing and drafting the law to make sure we are tied,” he said.
The commissioner’s remarks are part of a broader narrative where the NCIC faces significant challenges due to what Makori describes as intentional sabotage by politicians. This sabotage is believed to ensure that the NCIC remains toothless, unable to effectively enforce laws against hate speech and ethnic incitement.
Referring to the National Cohesion and Integration Act (NCIC Act) of 2008, he highlighted that the current legal framework lacks sufficient enforcement powers, making it challenging for the NCIC to effectively address hate speech and incitement, noting that the limitation hampers the commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate of promoting national cohesion and integration.
Makori’s remarks underscore a growing concern over the politicisation of ethnicity and its potential to destabilise the nation.
In response to these challenges, Makori urged political leaders to embrace inclusivity and respect for all communities. He emphasised the importance of moving beyond ethnic politics to foster a more cohesive and stable nation. The NCIC’s role in this process is crucial, yet its effectiveness is hindered by the very politicians it seeks to hold accountable.
The NCIC, established to promote national cohesion and integration, has been at the forefront of addressing ethnic tensions and inflammatory rhetoric that threaten Kenya’s social fabric. He added that all the commission does is to follow the due processes of the law duly.
Makori’s criticism comes at a critical juncture, as the NCIC, alongside senior clergy and faith-based leaders, has recently warned of the dangerous resurgence of ethnic divisions.
The commission has been vocal about the need for politicians to shift towards issue-based leadership rather than exploiting ethnic identities for personal gain. This call for change is particularly urgent given the historical context of ethnic conflicts in Kenya, which have often been exacerbated by political rhetoric.
2027 elections heat
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the tension between the NCIC and political figures is likely to intensify. Makori’s public stance is a clear signal that the commission will not back down from its mandate, despite the obstacles.
The coming years will be a test of whether Kenya can navigate its ethnic divisions through dialogue and legal enforcement or whether it will succumb to the divisive tactics that have plagued its past.
