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The National Police Service (NPS) has expressed concern over the increasing number of politicians making inflammatory statements, warning that the trend threatens national cohesion and public peace.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja raised the alarm during a briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration, highlighting growing security risks tied to divisive political rhetoric.
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Kanja noted that such statements can inflame ethnic tensions, undermine social cohesion, and disrupt public order, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Elections.
“Normalisation of inflammatory rhetoric by political leaders threatens unity, destabilizes public order, and risks reversing progress in fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities,” he said.
The police chief emphasized that the NPS is on high alert to prevent incitement, hate speech, and any acts that could destabilize the country. He added that the service is committed to upholding the law, maintaining public order, and protecting national unity.
In collaboration with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and other partners, Kanja said the NPS will take decisive action against individuals spreading hate speech or incitement, following legal procedures.
The surge in inflammatory statements has been particularly evident during political rallies, media interviews, public meetings, and across social media platforms. Forms of such rhetoric include ethnic stereotyping, insults, political incitement, spreading misinformation about government projects, and messages designed to provoke hostility or violence.
To strengthen enforcement, NPS officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been seconded to the NCIC to enhance investigative capacity. Together, the agencies handle complaints, gather evidence, arrest suspects, and prepare files for prosecution in partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Kanja also highlighted the role of digital platforms in amplifying hate speech. The NPS Forensic Laboratory at DCI headquarters supports investigations through digital device analysis, authentication of online content, cyber-tracking of inflammatory posts, and preparation of forensic reports for court.
According to the IG, these measures have significantly improved the quality of evidence available for prosecution of offenders.
