The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has intensified efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in Marsabit County ahead of the 2027 General Election, targeting youth, elders, religious leaders and digital influencers in a campaign to prevent ethnic intolerance, hate speech and election-related violence.

The commission held a two-day sensitization forum in Marsabit through the office of the County Commissioner, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The forum brought together various stakeholders to discuss strategies for identifying potential electoral risks and strengthening peace among the county’s diverse communities.

Speaking during the forum, Jane Kamau, NCIC Deputy director in charge of Information and Knowledge Management, said the commission was engaging communities to identify early warning signs of possible violence and address them before they escalated.

Kamau expressed concerns over ethnic mobilization and intolerance as the country approaches the election period, noting that political competition should not lead to hostility or broken relationships between communities.

She said NCIC would continue organizing community dialogues to encourage residents to embrace peaceful coexistence despite their political differences.

She added that the commission would strengthen its grassroots engagement across Marsabit County, working with duty bearers, youth, women, elders and other stakeholders to promote unity and prevent election-related tensions.

Kamau also said NCIC would continue monitoring political discourse in public spaces and on social media to identify hate speech and incitement to violence.

She urged political leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements and avoid remarks that could fuel ethnic divisions.

On the use of digital platforms, Kamau called on young people, bloggers, social media influencers and WhatApp group administrators to partner with the commission in spreading peace messages. She said NCIC was seeking to establish a network of digital peace champions who could counter misinformation and reach communities through online platforms.

She cautioned against sharing unverified information, noting that misinformation could heighten tensions during the election period. However, she emphasized that technology also provides opportunities for business and development when used responsibly.

Kamau said the sensitization forum had highlighted the importance of engaging youth and elders in peace building initiatives, adding that the commission would continue empowering communities to understand the dangers of hate speech and the importance of peaceful political participation.

She assured residents that NCIC would continue working with stakeholders to promote national cohesion before, during and after the elections.

Marsabit Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Kiloi called on residents to value peace and peaceful coexistence as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

He urged communities to maintain unity, respect one another despite their ethnic and political differences, and avoid actions that could trigger tensions or conflict during the election period.

Kiloi emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding peace and called on residents to work together with the government and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections in the country.

Reverend Diba Saido, Chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Marsabit branch, thanked NCIC and its partners for organizing the forum.He pledged to use church services and radio programmes to sensitize residents on peaceful coexistence and the dangers of hate speech.

Saido also announced plans to develop a peace memorandum for political aspirants to sign as a commitment to peaceful campaigns and a violence-free electorate process.

Juma Gollo, a bodaboda spokesperson in Marsabit Town, urged young people to reject political manipulation and avoid being used to promote tribalism, nepotism and hostility against other communities. He called on youth to unite and take an active role in promoting peace across the county.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Hassan, a human rights activist and director of the Centre for Research Rights and Development, welcomed the initiative and urged residents to take individual responsibility for maintaining security and peaceful coexistence regardless of their ethnic or political affiliations.

The stakeholders called on residents, political leaders and civil society groups to work together to safeguard peace and ensure that the 2027 General Election does not undermine unity among communities in Marsabit County.

by Anthony Melly