THE National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCI) has warned political leaders that majority of them may find themselves being disqualified from seeking elective posts during the next general elections for failure to adhere to Chapter Six of the new constitution.

The Commission's Chair Mzalendo Kibunjia.

The Commission’s Secretary Michael Ndung’u expressed regret that most of the politicians in the country were going about the business of re-igniting animosity and unnecessary competition between different communities without coming to terms with the provisions of the chapter on integrity in the new constitution.

 Addressing representatives of ten warring communities drawn from different parts of the country in Mount Elgon during a community exchange program dubbed The Active Citizens Participation (ACP), Ndung’u warned political leaders that the commission will strictly follow the law to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.

 “I want to caution politicians and civil servants who are already causing tension with their pre-election activities to understand that we have all of them on our radar. Let no one blame the commission if the big axe falls on his/her political career!” warned the Secretary.

Upper Western Regional Commissioner Rashid Mohammed( right) called for peaceful co-existence among communities ahead of the next elections.

 Mohammed announced that good progress is being achieved as the provincial administration in conjunction with non-governmental organizations and religious leaders engage in a program to unify Kenyan communities.

 He said that Mount Elgon was chosen as a pilot project for the exercise being funded by the British Council and the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs due to the skirmishes that hit the area over land.

 “You may have read extensively about the activities of the Sabaot Land Defense Forces (SLDF) in this region that left many lives lost and property destroyed. I am happy to announce that the area is now peaceful and we are working with former militia members who have turned into good peace ambassadors,” said Mohammed.

The Program Manager of the British Council George Imoite said that the program targets Kenya’s warring communities of Mount Elgon, Sotik/Borabu, Kuresoi, Kwale, Rongo, El-Moran and Ndeffo.

 He announced plans by the Council to sponsor two international study visits to the United Kingdom aimed at increasing understanding on the power of global connections and to develop skills that will establish global networks in social development.

Imoite announced that among the activities lined up in the implementation of the program include sports, civic education, social action projects, and peace campaign promotions among others.