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The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a stern warning to individuals spreading ethnic hate and celebrating the deaths of students in the tragic Utumishi Girls High School fire, vowing swift legal action.
In a strongly worded statement released Friday, NCIC condemned disturbing social media posts that appeared to justify or glorify the loss of 16 young lives on ethnic grounds, terming the conduct “reprehensible” and unlawful.
The Commission, led by Chairman Kepha Nyamweya, said it is actively monitoring online platforms following the Gilgil-based school tragedy, where several other students were also injured.
“It has been brought to our attention that certain remarks circulating on social media have sought to justify or glorify the loss of these children on account of their ethnicity. This is reprehensible,” the statement read.
Nyamweya emphasized that hate speech masquerading as commentary will not be tolerated—especially at a time when the nation is in mourning.
“No child’s death is cause for celebration. No ethnicity makes any life more or less worthy of grief,” he said, adding that such utterances are not only morally indefensible but also criminal under the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The Commission warned that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
“We are monitoring these communications and will pursue accountability through legal channels,” Nyamweya cautioned.
As the country grapples with the devastating loss, NCIC joined Kenyans in mourning the victims, describing their deaths as a profound national tragedy.
“These were young, promising lives. Their loss is a wound to their families and to the nation. They carried with them the hopes and aspirations of Kenya’s future,” the statement noted.
The Commission also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and called for restraint, compassion, and responsibility in public discourse.
Kenyans were urged to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information, which could deepen the anguish of grieving families and hinder national healing.
“As a Commission mandated to promote national cohesion, human dignity, and social harmony, we call upon all Kenyans to stand in solidarity with the affected families and the school community,” Nyamweya said.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of online incitement and the urgent need for responsible digital engagement in times of national grief.
