NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called on Azimio One Kenya Coalition Leader Raila Odinga to call off the ongoing political rallies saying they are fueling hate speech and keeping the country in a tensed mood.
Speaking during a press briefing Thursday, Commission Chairperson Samuel Kobia pointed out that the Azimio rallies are taking Kenyans back to election mode at a time the cost of living is skyrocketing warning that any disruption to country’s stability will affect livelihoods.
“Hate speech and ethnic contempt is as a result of the recent political rallies. In this respect we call on former Prime Minister to cease holding these political rallies because he is really the critical leader when it comes to now taking the country back to election mode. We cannot afford that as a country,” said Kobia.
The Chairperson further warned leaders especially politicians that they will be held personally accountable for their words and actions regardless of their political affiliations.
“Leaders who speak at these political rallies must be aware that they will be held personally responsible for their utterances while at political rallies. This is the stance that the commission has taken and will execute without fear or favour,” Kobia said.
“We are calling upon all leaders to stop utterances that can lead to ethnic animosity.”
His remarks come few days after the commission earlier warned that the recent political development could plunge the country into chaos if not well managed and if leaders fail to be responsible especially on matters ethnicity.
Commissions address comes exactly 5 months after the General Election.
The Azimio Coalition led by its leader Raila Odinga kicked off Anti Kenya Kwanza Government rallies where they have been claiming that their victory was stolen during the 2022 polls.
Odinga has been calling for resignation of President William Ruto.
On Monday, the Commission summoned Korogocho Member of County Assembly Absalom Odhiambo Onyango over alleged incitement made during the Azimio’s rally at Kamukunji grounds on Sunday.
The MCA was later detained at Kiambu police station. He was released on Wednesday as investigations continue.
Odinga has announced plans to hold a major rally in Kibra, Nairobi this weekend, signaling an intensified push as he seeks to hold President Ruto’s government accountable.
Odinga has been aggressive on political activities since the beginning of the year, insisting he won the election despite a ruling by the Supreme Court that put the matter to rest when it dismissed his challenge against President William Ruto’s victory.
