National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula with the NCIC commissioner at the Parliament Buildings. [National Assembly]
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to restore public confidence and play a more active role in promoting national unity throughout the electoral cycle, rather than only during election periods.
Speaking when he hosted the Commission, led by Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, at Parliament Buildings, Wetang'ula said NCIC must address the trust deficit that has undermined its constitutional mandate since its establishment in the aftermath of the 2007/08 post-election violence.
"NCIC suffers from serious trust issues. The Commission was formed from the ashes of the 2007 post-election violence to bridge divisions created by political differences. It should not be active only during elections," he said.
The Speaker stressed that lasting national cohesion can only be achieved through sustained civic education aimed at changing attitudes and mindsets.
"The education process to change our mindset is far more important," he said.
Wetang'ula maintained that Kenya's ethnic diversity should not be viewed as a problem, but warned against the misuse of ethnic identity to discriminate against or marginalise others.
"There is nothing wrong with belonging to a particular ethnic community. The problem comes when that identity is used to oppress and disadvantage others," he said.