The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched a roadmap aimed at preventing violence during the 2027 General Elections, warning political leaders and other influential actors against hate speech, ethnic contempt and divisive rhetoric.
Speaking during the launch of the Roadmap to Violence-Free 2027 General Elections at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday August 25,2026 , NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae said Kenya must begin preparing for peaceful elections long before polling day.
“The launch of this Roadmap is, therefore, not just the unveiling of a document, it is a call to action,” Bishop Omae said.
“It is a collective commitment by institutions, leaders, communities and citizens to begin the work of prevention of violence early enough, rather than responding when tensions have escalated.”
The launch was attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo, a representative of Chief Justice Martha Koome, UNDP Resident Representative Dr Jean-Luc Stalon, UN Resident Coordinator Dr Gary Conille and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Deputy Country Director Jooyoung Park.
In his address the bishop added that the commission was deeply concerned by what he termed growing manifestations of political intolerance, hate speech, ethnic contempt, disinformation and other forms of divisive rhetoric in the country’s public discourse.
“Words spoken carelessly by leaders and influential individuals can deepen divisions, fuel mistrust and create conditions that may ultimately threaten national peace and cohesion,” he said.
Bishop Omae called on political leaders, aspirants, opinion shapers and other public figures to exercise restraint as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, political leaders, aspirants, opinion shapers and all those with public influence must exercise restraint, responsibility and patriotism,” he said.
“We must reject the politics of exclusion and embrace politics founded on ideas, issues and service to the people.”
The NCIC chairperson said violence-free elections could not be achieved by one institution, calling for a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, political actors, civil society, the media, religious leaders, development partners, communities and the youth.
“Our main focus must be on prevention,” he said.
“We must strengthen early warning and early response mechanisms, address triggers to conflicts before they escalate, counter hate speech and disinformation, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and ensure that communities are equipped with the tools and platforms necessary to resolve disputes peacefully.”
He also called for greater involvement of young people in peacebuilding, warning against their exploitation by political actors.
“The youth, who form a critical constituency in our electoral and democratic processes, must be placed at the center of peacebuilding efforts,” Bishop Omae said.
“They must not be viewed as instruments of political violence, but as partners and leaders in the peacebuilding process in Kenya.”
He stressed that preparations for peaceful elections must start immediately rather than being left until polling day.
“Peaceful elections begin long before polling day. They are built through the language we use, the institutions we strengthen, the grievances we address and the relationships we build among communities,” he said.
“The work begins now and it begins with you and me.”
Bishop Omae said NCIC would continue monitoring hate speech and ethnic contempt, facilitating dialogue, supporting peace structures and promoting responsible leadership and citizenship throughout the electoral cycle.
He urged political parties to put national interests above political interests and citizens to reject incitement and violence.
“Every leader must choose responsible speech over inflammatory rhetoric. Every political party must place the interests of the country above vested political interests. Every citizen must reject incitement, violence and manipulation,” he said.
He further challenged Kenyans to ensure the 2027 elections do not replicate the violence associated with previous electoral cycles.
“Let it serve as our collective declaration that Kenya will not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.
“Let us commit ourselves to an electoral process where political competition does not divide, where diversity is celebrated rather than weaponized, and where every Kenyan can participate freely and safely in the democratic process.”
Bishop Omae said the 2027 elections should demonstrate Kenya’s democratic maturity and national cohesion.
“The 2027 General Elections must demonstrate the maturity of our democracy and the strength of our national cohesion,” he said.
The NCIC chairperson thanked institutions and development partners involved in developing the roadmap, singling out the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their support.
He said the partnerships had supported initiatives including youth engagement through Transgenerational Conversations Town Halls, hate speech monitoring, peace messaging, and the development and dissemination of key policies.
“Together, let us choose peace. Together, let us protect our democracy. Together, let us build a united and cohesive Kenya for we are a people guided by ONE PEOPLE. ONE NATION WITH A SHARED DESTINY,” Bishop Omae said.
