NCIC warns politicians over misusing youth ahead of 2022 election

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned politicians who are notorious for hiring gangs, to disrupt rivals’ rallies and cause violence before, during and after next year’s General Election.

NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia further warned, that whoever intends to misuse innocent youth to cause violence, will face the law.

“We are very alert to deal with incitement and violence. We are not only going after politicians but young Kenyans, who will be used as goons, to either disrupt activities of opponents or cause violence,” Kobia added.

Addressing the media after meeting Coast regional Commissioner John Elungata and Deputy Mombasa County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi, Kobia said NCIC has agents monitoring hate-mongers during public rallies.

“We are equipped with gadgets that will capture voice, as well as photos from political platforms,” he added.

He further said that they have launched a countrywide civic education, to foster peace and unity ahead of the polls.

The NCIC boss was in Mombasa as the Chief Guest during the Council of Bishops- Coast Region Peace Building Forum attended by over 1,000 clerics from different denominations.

During the event, members of the Council of Bishop- Coast region, signed the Political Decency and Accountability Charter with NCIC, to signify the roles of the clergy in fostering peace and unity during the electioneering period.

Kobia, who was flanked by Council of Bishop Chairman Joseph Maisha, stated NCIC acknowledges the role religious leaders play in fostering peace and cohesion.

Bishop Maisha hailed NCIC for engaging religious leaders in peace building efforts ahead of the General Election. He said the initiative is critical, especially in Mombasa, which he termed as very sensitive.

He said members of his council have resolved to work with their counterparts from Muslim and Hindu faiths, to preach peace among Coast residents beyond the electioneering period.

“There are those who segregate people who have lived like brothers and sisters during elections. We as clergy shall preach peace to our members,”he said.

Mombasa Deputy County Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, said the county security committee has taken elaborate security measures to facilitate peaceful elections.