The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has demanded that the ongoing anti-government protests headed by opposition leader Raila Odinga be called off.
The commission's chairperson, Samuel Kobia, said on Tuesday that the protests are causing tension throughout the nation, citing a case from Monday in which people were killed and injured, and the property was destroyed.
"While the constitution allows for the right to demonstrate, it does not guarantee the right to perform illegal acts against people and property," said Reverend Kobia
He condemned the destruction of cars, commercial premises, churches, and mosques in Nairobi and Kisumu, saying they were concerned that such acts would escalate into ethnic tensions and hate speech.
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"The situation in the country has created an enabling environment for criminals to do their activities," the reverend added.
Kobia also denounced Monday's raid on former President Uhuru Kenyatta's family land in Kiambu, during which dozens of sheep were stolen, trees were destroyed, and a portion of the property was later burned down at night.
The NCIC blamed it on people "resolving age-old land rights issues." adding that the destruction of property was illegal.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chair has called for an immediate stop to the demonstrations and violence and has called on President William Ruto and Mr Odinga to sit and resolve their issues.
"We call for dialogue; this option is available and we advocate for this. We can't solve issues by shouting at each other. We call on political divides to come and dialogue and put the interest of the Kenyans first," he said.
Religious leaders, in a joint statement, also called for the two duos to resolve their issues amicably and to have unconditional meet-ups and discussions to quell the political tension in the country. Adding that They must come together and talk
"We call upon Azimio to call off demonstrations and use alternative approaches to handle grievances," they added.
