The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised the alarm over the resurgence of criminal gangs and heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The commission has warned that rising cases of hate speech and ethnic incitement, particularly from key political figures, could fuel violence reminiscent of past electoral unrest.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Webuye MP Dan Wanyama and Starehe MP Amos Mwago are among those named by NCIC for spreading hate speech and ethnic contempt, exacerbating divisions in an already polarised political climate.
The commission’s report, tabled before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Security, also links the surge in organised groups to inflammatory political rhetoric, raising fears of pre-election violence.
NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi said the situation is worsening, with criminal gangs beginning to regroup in various regions across the country.
"We are working jointly with the Interior Ministry because we have seen organised groups coming up. We need to map out these areas before it’s too late," he cautioned.
According to the list tabled by NCIC before the National Assembly committee, Mr Gachagua, Mr Wanyama and Mr Mwago are all accused of ethnic contempt. Mr Mwago has already been questioned by the commission, while Mr Gachagua and Mr Wanyama have not appeared before the commission.
Others in the NCIC’s list are blogger Francis Gaitho, who is accused of hate speech, and Kapkateny MCA Joan Kirong.
The commission also expressed frustration over financial constraints, warning that inadequate funding has derailed its effort to tame hate speech and prevent violence.
Lawmakers echoed NCIC’s concerns, with Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma warning that if action is not taken, the violence in 2027 could surpass the chaos witnessed in 2007.
MPs expressed concern over ‘drums of war’ getting louder, and the emergence of criminal gangs and organised groups.
This comes as notorious gangs such as Jeshi ya Mzee, Chinkororo, China Squad, Mungiki and American Marine, historically linked to political violence, have started re-emerging.
The NCIC called for urgent intervention to prevent their resurgence, and appealed for increased funding to monitor hate speech, particularly online, and to strengthen its peace missions in volatile areas.
"We really want to do more, go into areas and have peace meetings, but we cannot. We can't even address the media," Mr Okundi said.
He regretted that the commission mainly depends on donors and religious organisations to fund its programmes.
Commissioner Danvas Makori said, “Given where we are going to as a country, there is a lot going on. There is disinformation online; it's no longer happening in political rallies as it used to."
"If we are financed well, we can do our job,” he added.
Mr Makori told the committee that the commission needs at least Sh5 million per year for a software that will monitor online comments and block them before they degenerate into ethnic hate speech.
"We are going into a political season and we are the entity that will tell you what is going on," he said.
Due to the budgetary constraints, the commission said some of its peace missions in the Kitui/Tana River border, North Rift region, Migori/Transmara and Kisii borders have been affected.
Meanwhile, MP Kaluma also criticised the commission for failing to rein in individuals who make unpalatable ethnic remarks.
"A person who has been in the public service said that the President should not step in any part of the country and the commission only warned him," he lamented.
The MP was referring to remarks by Mr Gachagua who in February warned President William Ruto against visiting Meru if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office.
"If you don't reboot, you're going to put this country into problems," Mr Kaluma told the NCIC.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere accused the commission of remaining silent even as people make divisive ethnic remarks.
"When someone was very rogue and lecturing people about shareholding, the commission was silent," she said.
Suna East MP Peter Masara also expressed concern that tensions are rising every weekend in Migori County, yet the Commission hasn't intervened in the area.
"In Migori, there are signs of war but I've never heard of you there. On weekends, people nowadays go to funerals with 40 police officers," Mr Masara said.
Dido Raso, the committee vice-chairperson, said the NCIC needs to do more to tame hate speech on social media.
