The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called for peace, restraint, and mutual respect ahead of the Gen Z-led demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to mark the anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence, especially during moments of civic engagement.
“The right to assemble and demonstrate is protected under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” the statement read. “However, this must be exercised responsibly, with an emphasis on peace and non-violence.”
Kobia urged demonstrators to avoid incitement or hate speech, warning that the misuse of civic spaces to spread ethnic contempt or promote division threatens the nation’s social fabric.
He also called on the National Police Service to handle the protests with restraint, stressing that excessive force must be avoided and that human dignity should remain central in all security operations.
The commission expressed concern over the potential for disruption, noting that hate speech and incitement remain serious offenses.
It confirmed that it is actively investigating 26 cases under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, with two already referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action.
“We commend the youth, especially Gen Z, for their role in demanding transparency and accountability,” Kobia said, while cautioning against elements who might hijack the protests to advance divisive agendas.
Earlier on Tuesday, the commission hosted Mumias East MP Peter Salasya to deliberate on youth engagement and social harmony. NCIC announced that Salasya had pledged to support initiatives aimed at fostering peace and cohesion and that he would soon be involved as a peace ambassador under a new NCIC programme.
The commission reiterated its belief in open dialogue and non-violent action as the only viable path to sustainable national progress.
It also highlighted ongoing efforts such as the transgenerational conversation: a quest for political decency and better governance to promote inclusive engagement, particularly with young people.
“We call on Kenyans to embrace and safeguard the fragile peace we’ve enjoyed,” the statement concluded. “It is only when we are peaceful that we can realize socio-economic development.”
