The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is calling for new legal powers that would enable it to vet individuals seeking elective office and top government appointments.
According to NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia, the proposal aims to curb hate speech and ensure the integrity of public officials before they enter office.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 9, 2025, Kobia said that a bill granting the commission such vetting authority is already in the second reading stage in the National Assembly.
He argued that the move is both timely and necessary, particularly as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election.
“We are not seeking to replace any institution,” Kobia clarified.
“Our goal is to complement existing mechanisms like those of the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission not to compete with them.”
He explained that the NCIC’s role would focus specifically on issues of national cohesion, integrity, and hate speech, which have increasingly become problematic in Kenya’s political landscape.
“Kenya cannot afford another election marred by incitement and tribal politics,” he said. “We want to ensure that anyone seeking public office is someone who upholds the values of peace, unity, and national cohesion.”
Response to Political Toxicity
Kobia said the proposed law would empower NCIC to vet candidates for all elective seats, from Members of County Assembly to the presidency. It would also cover individuals nominated for high-ranking appointments, including Cabinet Secretaries and heads of parastatals — any position requiring presidential approval.
He maintained that the initiative is not a duplication of functions but a proactive measure to safeguard the country’s political stability.
“We have seen what hate speech can do. It divides the nation, sows mistrust, and in the worst cases, leads to violence,” he said.
“Our vetting will be focused on character, past conduct, and the person’s record on promoting cohesion.”
The NCIC boss stressed that their criteria would not be political but based on factual evidence and legal standards.
“We will not base our decisions on hearsay or political interests. It will be evidence-driven. For example, if someone has a history of incitement or promoting tribalism, they should not be cleared to run for public office.”
Clarifying Jurisdiction
In response to questions about potential jurisdictional conflicts, Dr Kobia said that the commission had already held consultations with other key agencies including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
“Our approach is not to compete but to complement,” he reiterated. “Each agency will retain its mandate. What we are bringing in is a cohesion and integration dimension that has not been strongly enforced in the past.”
He added that the NCIC would also seek to work closely with civil society and community-based organisations to monitor and report candidates who may not meet the integrity threshold.
Bill Already in Parliament
The vetting proposal is part of a broader amendment bill that is currently before the National Assembly. Kobia confirmed the bill is now at the second reading stage and expressed optimism that it would receive bipartisan support.
“We believe Parliament understands the urgency of this matter. We have seen the consequences of not acting early, and this bill offers a preventative solution rather than a reactive one.”
He also urged members of the public to support the initiative, noting that integrity in leadership begins with proper screening before individuals assume positions of influence.
“Let us not wait until someone is in power to realise they were unfit for the job. This is about protecting the future of our democracy,” Kobia asserted.
