The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a fresh warning against hate speech as tensions rise over the Finance Bill 2026.
In a statement on Monday, the commission, now under the leadership of its new chairman Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae, strongly condemned the recent disruptions at public meetings. It also called out the growing problem of online hate, ethnic profiling, and the use of inflammatory language tied to the proposed bill.
The Finance Bill 2026 has sparked heated debate because it introduces taxes on mobile phones, digital content creators, cryptocurrency transactions, and other services.
The government plans to use these revenues to fund a KSh 4.8 trillion budget. In response to the rising anger, the NCIC reminded all Kenyans that constitutional freedoms do not protect hate speech or incitement to violence. The commission promised to keep a close eye on the situation and to prosecute any violations without hesitation. It also urged political leaders and the youth to focus on issues rather than falling back on tribal divisions.
On social media, many Kenyans pushed back against the growing ethnic rhetoric. The hashtag #WeAreKenyans began trending as people from different tribes shared messages of national pride and unity. Voices like that of Bianca Naomi reminded everyone to judge leaders by their ideas and results, not by their ethnic background.
