The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has raised concerns over secession calls by a section of politicians.
NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia said in as much as a section of the political divide feels aggrieved, secession is not the way to go.
Speaking in his office on Wednesday, he urged the leaders to seek a peaceful and cohesive way to deal with their concerns.
Kobia said Kenyans are longing for opportunities to come together, exchange ideas on the prevailing issues and challenges, and contribute to possible solutions.
He pointed out that the mandate of the bi-partisan talks is specific and not broad, adding that the commission will provide spaces and platforms for national conversations on economic prosperity, political stability and social cohesion.
Kobia was flanked by vice chairperson Wambui Nyutu and commissioners Phillip Okundi and Abdulaziz Ali Farah.
He also raised concerns over ethnic profiling of civil servants.
“It is worrying that some leaders are resisting public servants, especially teachers, from other ethnic communities from being deployed in their regions. This is not only a threat to cohesion but is archaic, unconstitutional and crass,” Kobia said.
He said the Constitution allows Kenyans to live and work in any part of the country at any time.
“We condemn these actions in the strongest terms and have already started the legal process to handle those who perpetrate such ideas,” Kobia said.
He said NCIC is aware of claims of unbalanced appointments in the public service and they are conducting an ethnic audit.
The audit, Kobia said, will ensure ethnic balance in the public service in national and county governments and advice on affirmative action.
The re-emergence of organised criminal gangs is also troubling the commission.
“Such gangs also create a reputational and brand risk to the nation's international image. Therefore we are calling upon the security stakeholders to contain the situation to avoid a resurgence of these outlawed organised criminal gangs,” he said.
“We, therefore, put politicians who use such gangs on notice that we are investigating and will take action.”
Kobia further said NCIC is concerned about the emerging trends in religious circles.
“Both religious and violent extremist movements have similar push and pull factors at the individual level that must be addressed urgently as they negatively affect our society and threaten our way of life,” he said.
On political intolerance, Kobia said NCIC is investigating six cases of people who have been summoned, two of whom have appeared and recorded statements.
“The commission hereby warns the individuals that have not honoured summons that we will invoke NCIC Act Section 13 (2) and seek a warrant of arrest.”
Kobia said social media and vernacular FM stations were being closely monitored.
