NCIC Commissioner Warns Kenyans Against Letting 2027 Politics Divide Communities
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Commissioner Jackson Swadi Kedogo has urged Kenyans to protect national unity and reject political hostility as the country prepares for the August 2027 General Election.
Kedogo spoke on Wednesday, October 28, during the signing of a Peace Charter that brought together political actors, civil society organisations and government institutions in a joint commitment to promote peaceful coexistence before, during and after the elections.
He said the initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among communities and institutions while building a foundation for a peaceful electoral process free from violence and unnecessary political tensions.
Institutions involved included the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Judicial Service Commission, the National Police Service, the National Police Service Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Kedogo stressed that maintaining peace should not be left to the NCIC alone, saying every Kenyan has a responsibility to prevent conflict and promote harmonious relations.
“Peace is not the responsibility of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission alone. It is a collective responsibility that requires every Kenyan to participate,” he said.
He called on citizens to become ambassadors of peace by promoting unity, tolerance and mutual respect in their communities, workplaces and social circles. He also urged Kenyans to recognise their shared national identity and place the country’s stability above political differences.
The commissioner cautioned that disagreements over candidates and political parties should not destroy relationships among neighbours, relatives, friends and colleagues.
“An election is a one-day event, but Kenyans will continue living together afterwards. Your neighbour will remain your neighbour, your relative will remain your relative, and the people you live and work with will continue to be part of your life,” Kedogo said.
He urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period, warning against turning political competition into hostility or violence.
Kedogo also called for closer cooperation between citizens, public institutions and other stakeholders to safeguard peace and stability throughout the electoral process.
The signing of the Peace Charter forms part of efforts by stakeholders to strengthen national cohesion and prevent election-related tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kedogo said sustained cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence would be essential in ensuring that political competition does not weaken the bonds that unite Kenyans.
He urged citizens to put the country’s interests first and protect the relationships that will remain important long after the election results are announced.
