Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae has officially assumed the role of chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), succeeding former chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia during a crucial time for Kenya.
Omae steps into this leadership role amid heightened political tensions, with the commission tasked to monitor hate speech, mediate conflicts, and promote peaceful coexistence as the next General Election approaches.
After taking the oath, Omae expressed that his appointment signifies a pivotal moment for both himself and the country, especially as Kenya faces increasing political strife and ethnic division ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This appointment is a pivotal moment for me, the commission, and the nation,” Omae stated.
He committed to serving Kenya with integrity and dedication, emphasizing the commission’s ongoing mission to foster peace, justice, and national unity.
“I pledge to serve with integrity, courage, and a commitment to the values that unite us—peace, justice, and unity,” he affirmed.
Omae expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for the trust placed in him and the commission, as well as to Parliament and the selection panel involved in his appointment.
He cautioned that deep-rooted ethnic, political, and social divisions still threaten national cohesion if not addressed.
“We must acknowledge that our nation still carries the scars of division, which jeopardize our shared identity,” he remarked.
Omae vowed to enhance efforts to unite Kenyans at all levels—national, county, and grassroots.
“We will strive to unite our country at every level. Our mission is sacred; it is about healing Kenya, and we will not falter,” he stated.
He noted concerning trends that could jeopardize peace and stability if not addressed promptly by leaders and citizens.
“We begin our work at a critical juncture. Recent events remind us that national cohesion cannot wait for election cycles,” he explained.
“When individuals face attacks due to political affiliation, when politicians are targeted by organized groups, and when reckless public speech escalates local conflicts, these are early warning signs that we must address urgently.”
He urged politicians to avoid divisive language, stressing that political competition should never endanger lives.
“No election, no position, and no ambition is worth the life of a Kenyan,” Omae declared.
He called on citizens to support the commission’s initiatives, highlighting that peace building requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society.
“I invite Kenyans to join us. Peace building is an ongoing process that demands consistent collaboration,” he said.
Omae also urged Parliament to expedite the enactment of the proposed NCIC Act 2026 and ensure it aligns with the Constitution to strengthen the commission’s authority.
“For us to fulfill our mandate, Parliament must fast-track the NCIC Act 2026 and align it with the Constitution,” he emphasized.
Additionally, he praised the Judiciary for creating special courts to address hate speech cases, stating this move would help mitigate inflammatory politics and promote accountability.
“As we approach 2027, I urge restraint and reject divisive rhetoric. Freedom of expression must not undermine our unity,” he concluded.
