National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Kepha Omae has warned politicians and the public against hate speech and ethnic incitement ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying such conduct risks triggering violence, displacement and loss of life.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Omae said Kenya could not afford a repeat of election-related violence witnessed in previous years, urging leaders to exercise restraint and use their influence to foster peace rather than deepen divisions.
"Such conduct carries the real risk of igniting violence, displacement, and loss of life, as this nation has painfully experienced before," he said.
The NCIC chair stressed that inflammatory political rhetoric should not be dismissed as ordinary political competition, warning that the law treats hate speech and ethnic contempt as serious criminal offences.
"This is not normal politics. It is conduct that the law calls hate speech and ethnic contempt, and it carries real criminal consequences, including fines of up to 1 million shillings and jail terms of up to five years," Omae said.
He warned that the commission would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone found violating the law, regardless of their political status.
"The commission is watching, and where the law is broken, we will act without fear or favor, regardless of who is involved," he said.
Omae reminded Kenyans that the country's ethnic diversity should be embraced as a strength rather than exploited for political gain.
"Kenya's diversity is a source of strength, not division," he said, calling on political leaders to choose words that unite communities instead of sowing hostility.
"The commission appeals to our leaders at every level and every sector, your words carry weight. Use them to unite, not to divide."
He also appealed directly to voters, urging them to reject attempts by politicians to exploit ethnic identities for electoral advantage.
"We appeal to every Kenyan to refuse to be incited into division. Reject politics of hatred and rhetoric of contempt, and embrace dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence as a foundation of our shared future," Omae said.
"Do not let anyone use you to attack your neighbor because of their community."
The NCIC chair said the commission would continue working with the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, political parties, faith-based organisations, the media and civil society to safeguard peace before, during and after the by-election.
He concluded by urging Kenyans to reject divisive politics in favour of national unity.
"Kenya deserves better than the politics of hatred. Let us choose peace. Let us choose one Kenya, one people with one shared destiny."
His remarks come two days before the July 16 by-election in Nyandarua County, which has been overshadowed by reports of campaign-related violence, intimidation and destruction of campaign materials, prompting concerns from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and civil society groups.