The commission said scenes of disorder, provocation, political confrontation and intimidation at public gatherings could escalate into violent attacks

NCIC chairperson Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint at public gatherings amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NCIC chairperson Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae said the election season was not a licence to turn public gatherings into platforms for factional contests, shouting matches and abusive exchanges.

“Even where there is disagreement, it must be civil enough to be in principle but not in personality,” Omae said.

The commission said it did not seek to limit freedom of expression or peaceful assembly, noting that Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution protect those rights.

However, it said the freedoms came with responsibility and did not extend to incitement to violence, hate speech or deliberate disruption of gatherings through intimidation and provocation.

NCIC said it was monitoring public gatherings and digital spaces, and urged political leaders to watch their tone and messaging and to discipline their supporters.

“Discipline your supporters and stop hiring or tolerating "goons". If your followers cause violence, the public will hold you responsible, and so will the law,” the commission said.

It also called on political parties to enforce their codes of conduct and urged young people not to allow themselves to be paid, transported or manipulated into disrupting events or confronting others.

The commission further called on security agencies to maintain order professionally and impartially, while urging the media and influencers not to amplify incitement or share unverified and inflammatory content.

NCIC said it would monitor the conduct of leaders and their supporters before, during and after incidents and use its powers under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008, where evidence showed incitement, hate speech or sponsorship of violence.

It said such matters would be referred to relevant agencies for action regardless of a person's status or political affiliation.

The commission said its “Uchaguzi Bila Noma” campaign remained focused on violence-free elections in 2027, warning that Kenya could not afford to repeat the consequences of political intolerance.