NCIC Warns Politicians against Antagonism during Rivals' Regional Visits

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia said the commission has been monitoring incidences in which politicians have been blocked from visiting certain areas.

Kobia said in January this year, youths blocked Senator Gideon Moi from accessing parts of Nandi County, an incident which was cheered by a section of the political divide.

In another incident in January, ODM leader Raila Odinga’s supporters clashed with Deputy President William Ruto’s supporters in Githurai, Kiambu, and some people were injured.

The commission has also condemned the blockade of Ruto’s motorcade from accessing a church in Kieni, Nyeri county.

“NCIC would like to remind Kenyans that all politicians have a right to spread ideas to all parts of the country. This is the best way for us as a nation to weigh our options as we approach,” Kobia said.

He added that the country should not accept such acts of intolerance which if not checked, might degenerate to violence.

“It is in this mind that we would like to warn politicians who have decided to lock their regions and make them unapproachable for their competitors to be ashamed of themselves and that we will be filing criminal charges should we find any of them responsible for such acts of intolerance.”

Kobia added that the commission will launch its 'Roadmap to Elections Bila Noma' report, which will deliberate on the preparedness for elections.