Sifuna accuses NCIC of bias and favouritism
By Aloys Michael, July 17, 2025Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of operating with bias and favouritism, particularly in how it handles political speech from opposing sides of the political divide.
In a scathing statement on his X account on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Sifuna claimed the commission has consistently failed to apply its mandate fairly, saying it turns a blind eye when leaders from the ruling coalition make inflammatory remarks.
“The way the NCIC works is simple. They will let politicians from the ruling side spew hate as they watch and wait until one person in the opposition says something similar, then pretend to call ‘both sides,” read the statement.
Sifuna’s comments come amid growing criticism over the NCIC’s role in promoting political fairness and national unity. He accused the commission of using a double standard that unfairly targets opposition leaders while sparing those aligned with the government.
“I know exactly what I need to say, ndio tuitwe wote na kina (So that we be called together) Kamket, Sudi na Nelson Koech,” he added, implying that the NCIC only appears to take action when it can create the impression of neutrality by summoning both sides, even if the opposition is disproportionately targeted.
Sifuna’s remarks are the latest in a series of criticisms from opposition leaders who believe that key institutions are being used to suppress dissent and protect government allies.
NCIC shocker?
The NCIC is constitutionally mandated to promote national cohesion and integration by outlawing discrimination on ethnic and political grounds. However, its credibility has increasingly been called into question, with critics like Sifuna accusing it of selective enforcement and political expediency.
As political temperatures continue to rise, the role of independent institutions like the NCIC will likely remain under intense public scrutiny in the lead-up to the next general election.
Meanwhile, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has come to the defence of the NCIC, emphasising its crucial role in maintaining peace and addressing ethnic tensions across the country.
Speaking on a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Maanzo highlighted the NCIC’s collaboration with key security agencies and its behind-the-scenes efforts in promoting national cohesion.
“They also work with the Department of Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Inspector General also works with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, so you cannot say that they are not properly supported by those institutions,” he said.