National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to rebuild public trust and take a more proactive role in promoting national unity beyond election periods.

Speaking at the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, when he hosted the Commission’s Chairperson, Bishop Kepha Omae, and commissioners, Hon. Wetang’ula said NCIC must confront challenges undermining its constitutional mandate and remain active throughout the electoral cycle.

“NCIC suffers from serious trust issues. The Commission was formed from the ashes of the 2007 post-election violence to bridge divisions created by political differences. It should not be active only during elections,” Wetang’ula said.

He emphasized the importance of sustained civic education to change attitudes and foster national cohesion, noting that ethnicity should not be used to divide or disadvantage Kenyans.

“There is nothing wrong with belonging to a particular ethnic community. The problem comes when that identity is used to oppress and disadvantage others,” he said.

Speaker Wetang’ula urged NCIC to partner with the Ministry of Education to nurture a culture of unity among young people. He also called for stronger collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

He said NCIC must clearly define its role, strengthen its investigative capacity, and earn the confidence of Kenyans, assuring the Commission that Parliament would support it within the bounds of the law.

Bishop Omae said NCIC had developed a roadmap for the 2027 General Election centered on prevention, engagement and collaboration.

“We are seeking collaborations with other agencies and all political players. We seek to end polarisation and ethnicity,” Omae said.

He said the Commission would engage political leaders, elders, religious leaders, and schools to promote responsible political conduct and to combat hate speech.

NCIC Commissioner Jerusha Mwaathime called for expanded investigative powers and closer cooperation with other agencies to address emerging incidents of hate speech, incitement, and intolerance.