NCIC Amani Conference Ends with Political Parties Challenged to Lead Peace Efforts Ahead of 2027
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, September 15, 2026 – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has challenged political parties and leaders to take greater responsibility for protecting Kenya’s peace as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The call came as the two-day National Stakeholders Conference for Peace, popularly known as the Amani Conference, concluded with stakeholders adopting a Joint Communiqué containing commitments aimed at strengthening national cohesion and preventing electoral violence.
The conference brought together stakeholders to deliberate on responsible political leadership, ethical campaigning and peaceful political engagement, with discussions centred on how Kenya can prevent violence, hate speech and ethnic division during the electoral period and beyond.
A major outcome of the second day was the presentation of the Political Decency, Peace and Accountability Charter for Political Parties, which NCIC described as a key component of its roadmap towards a violence-free 2027 General Election. The Charter has been presented to political parties for review and consideration as a framework for responsible political conduct.
The Charter calls on political parties to embrace issue-based politics and reject hate speech, ethnic incitement, political intolerance and organised goonism. It also urges parties to respect the right of political competitors to campaign freely and to ensure that political differences do not become a source of violence.
With political campaigns increasingly extending to digital platforms, the Charter further calls for responsible use of social media and other digital spaces. Political parties are also encouraged to resolve disputes through lawful institutions and hold their members accountable when they cross the line.
NCIC said the need for political responsibility is particularly important because the words and actions of political leaders can influence millions of Kenyans. Statements made during political rallies and through digital platforms can be amplified by supporters and, in some cases, translate into actions on the ground.
The Charter also emphasises that constitutional rights come with responsibilities. While the right to peaceful protest is protected, the framework stresses that it should not be used to justify assaults, destruction of property or violence as a means of settling political grievances.
Importantly, the Political Decency, Peace and Accountability Charter is voluntary. NCIC said its significance lies in the willingness of political parties to demonstrate statesmanship, goodwill and a commitment to leading by example, rather than treating peace as a responsibility of institutions alone.
The two-day conference also resulted in the adoption of a Joint Communiqué calling for stronger early warning and response mechanisms to identify and address potential threats to peace before they escalate. Stakeholders further committed to responsible communication, peaceful coexistence and collective action against violence, hate speech and ethnic contempt.
The commitments were made against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 General Election, with NCIC stressing the need for political leaders, government institutions, security agencies, civil society and other stakeholders to play their part in protecting Kenya’s cohesion. Among the institutions and organisations involved were World Vision Kenya, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the National Police Service, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
As the Amani Conference came to an end, the focus now shifts from dialogue to implementation, with stakeholders expected to turn the commitments reached during the meeting into concrete action. The NCIC said its wider objective remains to help build a peaceful and cohesive Kenya where political competition is conducted with respect for democratic rights, human dignity and the rule of law.
