The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has moved to summon political actors linked to violence reported in Homa Bay County, warning that those behind acts of violence, incitement and disorder will be held accountable.
The commission said the growing cases of political intolerance and violence pose a threat to national cohesion, security and the right of citizens to take part in peaceful democratic activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NCIC said political leaders and groups are free to conduct activities anywhere in the country provided they remain within the law.
“The Commission condemns the acts of political unrest and lawlessness being witnessed in parts of the country and has embarked on the process of summoning and holding the responsible political actors to account,” it said.
The commission said constitutional freedoms come with the responsibility to respect the law and warned against using political activities to promote violence, hate speech or disorder.
It called on political leaders, their supporters and young people to remain calm and resist attempts to use them to fuel political violence.
“The rise in political intolerance in the country, marred by negative political rhetoric must come to an end,” NCIC said.
NCIC warned that violence, disruption and incitement can put lives at risk, destroy property and interfere with citizens’ ability to participate freely and peacefully in democratic activities.
The commission referred to Article 37 of the Constitution, which gives citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and without weapons.
However, it said the exercise of these rights must be guided by respect for the law and the rights of other citizens.
“Political competition must never be equated with hostility, violence, or ethnic antagonism,” the commission said, calling on political leaders to embrace tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
The statement came after violence was reported during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, where members of the political group faced disruption as they toured parts of the county.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, who is associated with Linda Mwananchi, claimed that several supporters were injured and vehicles belonging to the group were badly damaged during the unrest.
“They have injured alot of our supporters, all our vehicles are destroyed badly,” he wrote in a statement shared on his Facebook account on Sunday.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over political intolerance as political parties and groups step up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
NCIC said peaceful political engagement can only be sustained when constitutional freedoms are protected and the rule of law is respected.
It warned that attempts to intimidate, silence or harm citizens through political violence threaten national unity and social stability, urging political actors to pursue their differences through peaceful engagement.