PS Karanja Kibicho asks NCIC to conduct national civic education to curb violence

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has called upon the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to conduct civic education across Kenya to curb violence.

The PS said that while he was speaking during a fundraiser at Odienya SDA Church in Kochia Ward, Homa Bay County.

Kibicho said NCIC and other relevant ministries ought to conduct the exercise ahead of the 2022 general elections.

This is aimed at strengthening the political maturity among Kenyans and enhancing peaceful elections.

The PS said the political maturity of individuals will help curb violence.

“Political maturity of individuals will help the country in curbing violence. It begins with information and as we all know, information is power,” Kibicho said.

Kobicho also noted that civic and voter education would largely help eliminate cases of political violence during the electioneering period.

The PS cited lack of voter education as the reason for the political violence that the country has witnessed previously post-elections.

He affirmed his ministry has set mechanisms to deal with unlawful political practices that may cause mayhem in the country.

“My Ministry has laid down mechanisms to deal with unlawful political practices, which may breach the principle of peace in the country,” Kibicho said.

Kibicho also assured Kenyans that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will plan and conduct the forthcoming general elections.

NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia also attended the function.

Kobia said NCIC has drawn a road map to guarantee peace and tranquillity ahead of the 2022 general election by establishing 10 NCIC regional offices.

“We have established 10 regional NCIC offices, including one centre for Nyanza, which has been set up in Kisumu,” Kobia said.

Kobia urged Kenyans to embrace political tolerance, notwithstanding political affiliations, for peace and unity’s sake.