Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Security, NCIC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mutegi warned that political competition is expected to intensify significantly in the coming months, raising the risk of conflict both before and after the polls.
According to the commission, proactive intervention is critical to preventing tensions from escalating into violence.
Mutegi told lawmakers that NCIC requires additional resources to strengthen early warning systems, identify potential conflict hotspots, and facilitate peace-building initiatives in communities considered vulnerable to political unrest.
“We require more resources for early warning systems, identifying potential conflict hotspots, and facilitating peace dialogues in communities,” Mutegi told the committee.
The commission expressed particular concern over the rapid growth of hate speech and inflammatory content on social media platforms.
NCIC officials argued that digital spaces have increasingly become battlegrounds for political attacks, ethnic incitement, and misinformation, making monitoring and enforcement more challenging than in previous election cycles.
To address the emerging threat, the commission is seeking advanced technological tools capable of tracking online offenders, preserving digital evidence, and supporting successful prosecutions. Mutegi noted that without modern investigative equipment, combating online hate speech may become increasingly difficult.
NCIC also highlighted legal challenges surrounding the admissibility of digital evidence in court, saying the issue has complicated efforts to prosecute individuals accused of spreading inflammatory content online.
Budget constraints emerged as another major concern during the parliamentary session. The commission disclosed that it had received approximately KSh711 million against a requested budget of KSh1.5 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year.
To address the emerging threat, the commission is seeking advanced technological tools capable of tracking online offenders, preserving digital evidence, and supporting successful prosecutions. Mutegi noted that without modern investigative equipment, combating online hate speech may become increasingly difficult.
NCIC also highlighted legal challenges surrounding the admissibility of digital evidence in court, saying the issue has complicated efforts to prosecute individuals accused of spreading inflammatory content online.
Budget constraints emerged as another major concern during the parliamentary session. The commission disclosed that it had received approximately KSh711 million against a requested budget of KSh1.5 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Officials argued that the funding gap could undermine crucial conflict-prevention programs at a time when political activity is expected to intensify nationwide.
However, some lawmakers questioned whether the commission has effectively utilized previous allocations. Committee Vice-Chairperson Dido Raso criticized NCIC for what he described as insufficient action against individuals who engage in inflammatory speech and online attacks targeting national leaders.
Raso warned that Parliament could be reluctant to approve additional funding unless the commission demonstrates measurable results and greater effectiveness in enforcing existing laws.
Similarly, Francis Sigei challenged the commission to produce visible outcomes, arguing that Kenyans expect concrete action rather than repeated warnings about growing tensions.
Political analysts note that concerns over election-related violence remain sensitive in Kenya due to the country's history of disputed elections and politically motivated unrest.
However, some lawmakers questioned whether the commission has effectively utilized previous allocations. Committee Vice-Chairperson Dido Raso criticized NCIC for what he described as insufficient action against individuals who engage in inflammatory speech and online attacks targeting national leaders.
Raso warned that Parliament could be reluctant to approve additional funding unless the commission demonstrates measurable results and greater effectiveness in enforcing existing laws.
Similarly, Francis Sigei challenged the commission to produce visible outcomes, arguing that Kenyans expect concrete action rather than repeated warnings about growing tensions.
Political analysts note that concerns over election-related violence remain sensitive in Kenya due to the country's history of disputed elections and politically motivated unrest.
They argue that institutions responsible for national cohesion face mounting pressure to intervene early and consistently before tensions reach dangerous levels.
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