I have never been a fan of NCIC. That is the National Cohesion and Integration Commission. It is rudderless, ineffective and a waste of taxpayers’ money. It is duplicating the work that the police should be doing, despite lacking any legal parameters in terms of prosecutorial powers.
In my opinion, it is essentially a toothless bulldog. I have even more reason now to say that it should be disbanded, and the budget allocated to it be used to support police work. More so, as we head towards the 2027 General Election.
Let me do the NCIC’s work. The “Wantam” and “Tutam” politics, which has taken over the country is a catalyst for violence. Fault lines have been formed, and the tension in the country is palpable. People are sharply divided between supporting the current regime, and opposing it.
Skirmishes have already been reported in some parts of the country because of the political divide. Gospel singer, Rachel Wandeto, was allegedly attacked and set ablaze in Mwiki, Kasarani, due to her political support for President William Ruto. She succumbed to her injuries in May this year.
This is just one example of what can happen when there is acrimony over the “Wantam” and “Tutam” politics.
For those wondering what this is about, “Wantam” and “Tutam”, is the corruption of the phrases one-term and two-term. Proponents of “Tutam” are supporters of Dr Ruto, who is seeking a second term, while his bitter critics have vowed to make him a “Wantam” president.
The Constitution of Kenya allows an elected president to serve two terms, which is the limit. Dr Ruto’s die-hard supporters are working round the clock to ensure that he returns to State House next year.
“Wantam” and “Tutam” politics is slowly causing jitters across the country. Politicians who support President Ruto’s re-election bid have been traversing the country to spread the “Tutam” agenda. This has not gone down well, particularly in opposition strongholds.
Some politicians have even been heckled at rallies when they attempt to discuss “Tutam” politics. In some cases, violence has broken out.
Violent clashes erupted at Nembure Stadium in Embu County on September 12, 2026, during a United Democratic Alliance meeting led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, according to the National Police Service.
Sharp divisions in political opinion easily breeds hate speech. That is a big problem for the country. It is a democratic right to campaign for whoever one wants, but once the campaign models or words cause fear and division, then it is time to relook at the words and the conduct of the actors.
In this case, it is politicians and political activists who stand on two sides of the divide. The proponents of either “Wantum” and “Tutam” do not see eye to eye. It is time to consider banning these political slogans.
Those chanting these slogans are holding match sticks in their hands, and could easily ignite flames of violence. It is less than year to the 2027 General Election, and the political temperatures are very high on the strength of the toxic “Wantum” and “Tutam” political campaigns.
Yet, as danger stalks, the NCIC is issuing statements, warning politicians against hate and violence. The NCIC doesn’t seem to understand that it needs to be proactive so as to nip violence and hate in the bud. It is pointless to issue statements once violence has already taken root.
I don’t think conferences can do much to address this grave matter. It is therefore important to take stock, and ban words that trigger offence, hate and violence during the campaigns. “Tutam” and “Wantam” are clearly causing all the three above.
It is normal to show opposition to an incumbent government and political party. It is also normal to exercise one’s civic rights, but from the jitters that “Tutam” and “Wantam” are causing, the proponents of either terminology are not exercising their civic rights, but stoking the embers of violence.
The “Wantam” wing does not hide its dislike of the current regime, but caution should be exercised. A democratic process does not need to be hateful, even if there are disagreements.
On the other hand, recent events in Kenya; from Gen Z deaths to kidnapping of dissenters does not show the current regime in good light. However, the only way to change the status quo is at the ballot box. Hate only made a bad situation worse.
To help lower the political temperatures, I suggest that the use of “Wantam” and “Tutam” be stopped because they are a threat to peace. Parliament has responsibility to save the country from violence by outlawing the two dangerous and divisive words for the sake of peace.
