West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has called for the disbandment of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of failing to effectively combat hate speech and incitement despite consuming public resources.
Kachapin said Kenya needs a more effective institution with sufficient enforcement powers to deal with leaders who make inflammatory remarks, particularly as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Kapenguria, the governor described the NCIC as a “toothless bulldog” that summons individuals accused of making inflammatory statements but fails to take decisive action against them.
“NCIC should be disbanded and a better body formed to handle incitement in society. It is using public resources, yet it is doing nothing to fulfil its mandate,” Kachapin said.
He called for reforms to give the proposed institution stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to prosecute offenders and ensure that those found guilty of election-related offences face appropriate legal consequences.
Kachapin said leaders found culpable of incitement, violence or other election-related offences should be held accountable and, where provided for by law, be barred from contesting elective positions.
His remarks come amid controversy surrounding former Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol Munoo over alleged inflammatory statements targeting the Luhya community during a meeting in Sooka, West Pokot County.
Kachapin condemned the alleged remarks, accusing Lomunokol of repeatedly making statements that could fuel hostility between the Pokot and Luhya communities.
He called on authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if the former MP is found culpable.
The governor alleged that Lomunokol had made inflammatory remarks on three occasions targeting the Luhya community and also criticised him over alleged remarks suggesting that some leaders should be killed.
Kachapin warned that such statements could heighten political tensions and undermine peace in West Pokot, urging leaders to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Security officers faulted over Sigor chaos
Kachapin also criticised security officers over the chaos that disrupted President William Ruto’s recent development tour of West Pokot County, accusing them of failing to act on intelligence that could have helped prevent the violence.
The governor called for the transfer of security officers serving in Sigor Sub-County, saying the incident exposed serious lapses in security preparedness ahead of the presidential visit.
Kachapin claimed security agencies had received sufficient intelligence before the President’s visit but failed to take adequate measures to prevent the violence, which left one person dead and several others injured.
“They had received enough intelligence beforehand, and they could have prevented what happened. They failed to perform their duties, and the incident embarrassed the President,” he said.
He urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents during future public functions.
Kachapin reiterated the need for political leaders and security agencies to work together to maintain peace and stability in West Pokot, particularly as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
