The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has strongly condemned utterances made by a section of political leaders regarding the routine posting of County Commissioners to Meru County.
The Commission noted that County Commissioners, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), and other civil servants are deployable to any part of the republic as part of normal public service operations.
It warned that the statements, which have been widely circulated on social media, have triggered public alarm and risk fueling ethnic tension among Kenyans of diverse communities.
NCIC described the remarks as divisive, unlawful, and incompatible with the principles of a constitutional democracy founded on national unity and cohesion.
Legal Framework on Hate Speech
The Commission further cited Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which prohibits the use of words intended to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, or violence against any person, group, or community on the basis of ethnicity or race.
It emphasized that any person found guilty of such utterances is liable to criminal prosecution. NCIC confirmed that it is currently investigating the matter, reiterating that hate speech laws exist to safeguard peaceful coexistence and prevent the escalation of ethnic mistrust and conflict within the country.
NCIC also underscored that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to live and work anywhere within the Republic without interference, restriction, or approval from political leaders.
It stressed that deployment of public officers is guided strictly by law, institutional procedures, and national interest rather than ethnic or political considerations.
The Commission warned that attempts to territorialize public service positions along ethnic lines undermine constitutional values, national unity, and the integrity of public administration.
Call for Responsible Leadership and Public Vigilance
NCIC called on political leaders to exercise restraint, responsibility, and professionalism in their public communication. It cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric can destabilize communities and erode trust in governance structures.
The commission further urged members of the public to reject ethnic contempt in all forms and report incidents of hate speech and incitement through official channels for action.
It reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the public informed upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The statement reinforces the NCIC’s mandate to promote national harmony and prevent ethnic polarization amid heightened political discourse around public service deployment.
It also signals increased scrutiny of political messaging that may inflame ethnic sensitivities and threaten social cohesion in the country.
