The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, led by the Chair Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia CBS, paid a courtesy call to the Chief Justice of Kenya, Lady Justice Martha Koome, with the aim of discussing cohesion matters and creating synergies between the two institutions ahead of the 2022 General Elections.

With approximately eight months to the next elections, NCIC is keen to ensure the country goes through an Elections Bila Noma. As such, the Chairman, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia CBS observed ‘We have several hate speech cases currently pending in court. With a history of communal or ethnic violence especially during electoral cycles, it is critical that conclusion of the cases is quickly expedited by our courts to act as a deterrent’.

During the meeting, observed that the Judiciary is in the process of setting up five special courts to focus on hate speech cases. In her words, ‘The Judiciary has prepared a list of special magistrates to be gazetted once the poll period is declared by @IEBC. We shall work closely with NCIC to ensure hate speech cases are expeditiously convicted’. She further stated that plans are underway to come up with an all-inclusive multi-agency team to monitor and coordinate all hate speech cases in the country. The Chief Justice directed the Judicial Committee on Elections to work with NCIC to formulate practice direction on handling offences under the NCI Act of 2008.

On her part, the Commission Secretary thanked the Judiciary for the support and exuded confidence the synergy shall see the courts speed us the cases, leading to a violent-free election come 2022.