NCIC Seeks Legal Mandate to Vet Political Candidates and Senior Government Officials

 

By Juliet Jerotich

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is seeking expanded powers to vet individuals seeking elective positions and high-level government appointments, in a move aimed at promoting national unity and curbing hate speech in Kenya’s political landscape.

NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia confirmed on Monday that the commission is supporting a bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly that would grant it legal authority to screen aspirants for public office. The bill, now at the second reading stage, proposes to give NCIC the mandate to assess candidates’ conduct and suitability based on their history of promoting peace, cohesion, and adherence to the principles of national integration.

“We are not attempting to take over the roles of existing institutions such as the IEBC, DCI, or EACC,” Dr. Kobia said during a televised interview. “Our focus is on cohesion and peace-building — values that are often sidelined in the vetting processes.”

If enacted, the law would empower NCIC to vet a wide range of individuals, including those running for Member of County Assembly (MCA), Members of Parliament, Governors, and Presidential candidates, as well as nominees for top government positions such as Cabinet Secretaries and Heads of State Corporations.

Dr. Kobia said the proposed vetting process would concentrate on candidates' track records concerning hate speech, ethnic incitement, and divisive politics. He emphasized that the assessments would rely on verifiable facts and legal benchmarks, not hearsay or political motivations.

“This is not about political witch-hunts. It’s about upholding ethical leadership and ensuring that those in public office reflect the values of unity and responsible governance,” he said.

To facilitate seamless implementation of the proposal, NCIC has already initiated consultations with key state agencies including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to avoid mandate overlaps.

The Commission also plans to collaborate with civil society organizations and community-based groups to identify individuals who may fall short of the required ethical standards.

Dr. Kobia urged both legislators and the public to support the legislative proposal, stating that proactive screening of leaders is vital to preventing future instability.

“It is more effective to prevent unfit individuals from entering leadership than to deal with the consequences of their actions later,” he said. “This initiative is about safeguarding the future of our democracy and building a cohesive nation.”

The move comes as political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, with growing calls from various stakeholders for reforms that promote accountability, inclusivity, and peace in the country’s governance systems.

The National Assembly is expected to debate the bill further in the coming weeks.