Youth leaders from Kibera and Lang’ata are calling for either the disbandment or re-branding of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to give it powers to adequately deal with incitements by politicians.
Lang’ata Youth Network chairman Daniel Orogo said Friday it is high time the Francis ole Kaparo led commission is allowed to take stern action against those who spread hate that may result in violence come the next general election.
"NCIC has not played its part in ensuring cohesion. This body should either be disbanded or re-branded if we are to deal with cases of incitement in the country. We cannot have a cohesion and integration commission that is toothless and with powers only to recommend prosecution," said Orogo.
He recommended the issue be included in the planned referendum calls by both Cord and Jubilee coalitions.
Orogo was addressing the media during the Peace and Integration forum at Nicofeli Hall in Kibera.
"A clause that gives powers to the NCIC should be included in all or either of the two referenda that are currently being pursued by Cord and Jubilee camps. The commission should be in a position to prosecute anybody and especially the notorious politicians who spread hate which may lead to unrest in the country now that the public is gearing up for 2017 elections," added the youth leader.
The forum was organised under a programme called Kenya Tuna Uwezo which is sponsored by USAid through global communities.
It brought together various youths and representatives from various institutions.