Persons with disabilities in Trans Nzoia County have warned political leaders against hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The PWD leaders urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), security agencies, political parties and the public to reject incitement, intimidation and violence and promote peaceful political engagement.
They spoke on Monday, September 21, during activities to mark the International Day of Peace.
Josephat Barasa, the World Disability Peace Ambassador, called on the NCIC to intensify monitoring of political speeches ahead of the 2027 polls.
“NCIC should not sleep on its job. It should take action against hate speech as we head to the polls,” Barasa said.
He also urged police to support peace-building efforts while protecting citizens’ constitutional rights and freedoms.
Roselyne Nyaga challenged politicians to pursue leadership without exposing their supporters to violence.
“It is not a must for people to die for you to lead,” Nyaga said.
Tom Juma said PWDs were concerned about political rhetoric at rallies, warning that some statements could trigger violence.
“We feel the country is not going well, judging by the sentiments being made at rallies. Some of these statements might incite violence,” Juma said.
Juma urged the NCIC to execute its mandate and called for political actors to campaign freely across the country as part of a peaceful democratic process.
Trans Nzoia PWD chairman Opis Ojiambo said maintaining peace was a shared responsibility among political leaders, government agencies and citizens.
He also raised concern about unemployed young people being vulnerable to political mobilisation.
“The youth are being used as goons due to idleness,” he said.
Ojiambo urged the NCIC to discharge its mandate fairly and impartially across the political divide.
The PWD leaders also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in peace-building efforts and protection from political violence, intimidation and discrimination.
The International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21. The United Nations theme for 2026 is “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
