While there is every reason for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to flex its muscles and exercise the power bestowed upon it by the Constitution, it has chosen to remain in the shadows.
Over time, a number of leaders have been emboldened by NCIC’s inability or reluctance to crack the whip on civilians and leaders who divide and incite the public through unguarded utterances.
It is too early for the 2027 general election campaigns, but some leaders on both sides of the political divide are clearly on the campaign trail. Opposition leaders are determined to make William Ruto a one-term president and have been traversing the country in an attempt to win support.
The President’s supporters, on the other hand, also traverse the country, insisting that Dr Ruto must serve two terms because all the presidents before him served two consecutive terms.
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This assertion misses the point, that the election of a president is done by voters through the ballot. It is disturbing when elected leaders take to the podium to stir tension by playing the tribal card.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech recently averred that his community will not stand by and watch Ruto serve only one term. He warned those opposing the government to desist because his community can equally disrupt peace in defence of Ruto.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, whose position demands he remains apolitical has also joined the bandwagon of reckless national leaders. While attending an empowerment event in Trans-Nzoia recently, Mr Wetangula urged the Kalenjin community to defend the “government and their son”.
This raises the question: Against whom, or what, should the government be defended? And even if there was any need to defend the government, isn’t that the work of the security agencies? Wetangula must acknowledge that the President belongs to all Kenyans, not the community he hails from.
A few days ago, Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow boldly faced media cameras during an event in Wajir and vowed that come rain or sunshine, Ruto must win the 2027 elections, even if it meant rigging the vote. Such utterances are inciting and can cause tension and disunity among Kenyans. They must be discouraged.
The Constitution is clear that a president can only serve a maximum of two terms, each lasting five years. But it is not wrong for a president to serve one term as some leaders have alluded. It is voters who decide whether an incumbent deserves a second term and not his/her cronies and bootlickers.
Days before the Saba Saba rally, Tiaty MP William Kamket threatened to bring Pokot youth to deal with the protesters in Nairobi. With such reckless political motormouths, the need to control what leaders say in public has never been greater than now.
But even as we demand that NCIC and the DCI take decisive action against inciters, it is important for the President call his lieutenants to order, for in their spirited attempts to defend him, they could end up jeopardising his chances and burning the country.
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By Editorial