Renowned Eldoret-based human rights activist, Kipkorir Ngetich, has launched a scathing attack on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of incompetence, tribal bias, and hypocrisy in its handling of hate speech and misuse of social media.
In a statement issued today, Ngetich condemned the recent summoning of a Marakwet daughter over alleged hate speech, calling the move "laughable" and an example of the NCIC's selective approach to enforcing the law. He pointed out that while action was taken against individuals from some regions, others—particularly those from the Mt. Kenya region—had made far more inflammatory remarks without facing any consequences.
“His Excellency the President and his family have endured unrelenting hate and humiliation, with reckless statements from leaders within Mt. Kenya, some of whom have even publicly prayed for the death of the President. These statements were widely covered by the media, yet no action was taken by the NCIC,” Ngetich said. “The NCIC’s failure to act on such hate speech exposes its deep hypocrisy and double standards."
Ngetich expressed his frustration over what he described as the NCIC's inability to tackle the rising tide of hate speech and political incitement, particularly from political figures who, according to him, seemed to be enjoying immunity from any legal action. He called out the commission for its lack of a concrete plan to address the root causes of ethnic divisions in Kenya, accusing it of being ineffective and motivated by tribal interests.
The activist further criticized the current composition of the NCIC, calling it "tribal" and no longer capable of fulfilling its constitutional mandate to promote national unity and cohesion. “It is high time we disband this organization and bring in individuals who are genuinely committed to tackling hate speech and incitement. The NCIC, as it stands, is a toothless entity that has failed to make any successful arrests or prosecutions. Instead, it continues to squander public resources without any tangible results,” Ngetich declared.
In his statement, Ngetich drew attention to the NCIC’s lack of action in the face of escalating hate speech and political incitement, particularly from the political elite in certain regions. He pointed out that the commission has failed to request Parliament to strengthen laws that would make it easier to carry out its work and fulfill its mandate.
He further accused the NCIC of becoming a tool for serving the interests of certain political figures, particularly those with connections to the former Deputy President, who he claimed enjoys protection from the commission.
“This commission has witnessed dangerous utterances from political elites from certain regions, yet they have never issued a single warning or called for investigations or arrests. It is clear that the NCIC is now serving the interests of a select few rather than the nation as a whole,” Ngetich said.
The human rights activist called on Parliament to urgently intervene and disband the NCIC, accusing it of being one of the most incompetent and corrupt public institutions that has wasted taxpayers' money without delivering any meaningful results. He also urged the Treasury to stop funding such an ineffective body that has failed to serve its intended purpose.
“We cannot afford to let this commission continue to mismanage public resources while failing to address the critical issue of hate speech and national cohesion. It is time to disband the NCIC and replace it with a commission that will actually serve the interests of all Kenyans,” Ngetich concluded.
