NCIC, IEBC threaten to disqualify 15 politicians from 2027 elections
NCIC, IEBC threaten to disqualify 15 politicians from 2027 elections
15 politicians could be barred from contesting the 2027 General Election as state agencies intensify a nationwide crackdown on hate speech, political incitement and electoral misconduct.
The warning was issued during a joint briefing by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), the National Police Service (NPS), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Communications Authority (CA), which unveiled a multi-agency strategy to curb divisive politics ahead of the polls.
“Some of the people you see here campaigning will not see the ballot because they will be disqualified. We have agreed with colleagues here that we must disqualify at least 15 people,” Political Parties Liaison Committee Chairperson Evans Omae said on Monday, August 3.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the rise in inflammatory political rhetoric at rallies and on social media, with agencies warning that the trend is threatening national cohesion as the country edges closer to the next General Election.
“Our public spaces and digital platforms alike are awash with hate speech, ethnic contempt, vulgar language and unprintable political intolerance. Left unchecked, this trend sets the nation on a dangerous and unacceptable trajectory,” the statement read.
To stem the growing problem, the institutions announced the formation of a High-Level Multi-Agency Steering Committee and a Technical Operations Committee to coordinate the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of hate speech, political incitement and electoral violence.
According to the statement, the committees will oversee real-time monitoring of political activities, preserve evidence, coordinate investigations and ensure cases are prosecuted through a shared accountability framework involving all participating agencies.
Those found culpable will face sanctions provided for under the law, including warnings, fines, prosecution and, where the legal threshold is met, disqualification from contesting elective seats.
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“We cannot conduct elections in an environment characterised by incitement, division and violence,” IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said, adding that the commission will gazette the official electoral period later this month.
The latest move comes after a series of controversial remarks by political leaders sparked calls for tougher enforcement. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently urged NCIC to summon Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over alleged tribal remarks, accusing the commission of applying double standards in handling hate speech cases.
Separately, Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia also came under fire after urging residents not to support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election during a live television interview. Government officials and legal experts widely criticised his remarks.
As political campaigns gather momentum, the agencies have warned that freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech or ethnic incitement, insisting they will act jointly and decisively to ensure the 2027 General Election is conducted in a peaceful and lawful environment.
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