“Switch off their mics”: NCIC warns Kenyan churches over politicians’ 2027 hate speech

Religious leaders in Kenya have been urged to halt politicians' microphones during worship services if they deliver hate speech and incite division, according to a warning from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) ahead of the 2027 General Election. NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae spoke to religious leaders and social organizations in Nairobi on August 26, 2026.

He emphasized that clergy have the authority to stop politicians from using church platforms to spread inflammatory messages, which could fuel hatred and division. Omae urged clergy to stand firm against intimidation by political leaders and stressed their responsibility to protect worship services from messages that undermine national cohesion.

He cited instances where technical crews had silenced politicians' microphones when they delivered inappropriate remarks, allowing services to continue. Omae appealed to church leaders to take action when politicians cross the line of acceptable political expression, stating that silence should not be mistaken for acceptance. The warning specifically targets hate speech and incitement, rather than general political participation in churches.

Churches, as influential spaces for politicians to reach large congregations, especially during elections, carry a responsibility to prevent harmful narratives from gaining an audience. Switching off a politician's microphone in this context symbolizes the church leadership taking control of its platform. Omae also warned that the same principles apply to hate speech published online, cautioning social media users that they can be held accountable for their written words.

The NCIC is working with stakeholders to address the spread of hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and inflammatory rhetoric across digital platforms, with the possibility of identifying and investigating those responsible, including prosecution. As social media becomes a crucial arena for political debate, Omae called on politicians to exercise greater responsibility in their public utterances, emphasizing that irresponsible speech can lead to hatred and destruction.

The warning places responsibility on both politicians and institutions like churches: politicians must control their speech, while churches must decide what they will allow on their platforms. Religious leaders may need to adopt a more proactive role in policing political speech during services instead of allowing prominent political guests without challenge.

As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, churches are likely to face pressure over their role in preventing hate speech and incitement.