The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has praised Generation Z for their peaceful protests that have steered clear of tribalism.
NCIC Chairperson, Reverend Dr. Samuel Kobia, lauded the young demonstrators for their efforts in identifying themselves as Kenyans first, which aligns with the Commission's vision of "One People, One Nation, One Destiny."
Dr. Kobia expressed his admiration for the Gen Z initiatives, noting their impact on promoting national unity in the country.
"As NCIC, we have followed the Gen Z initiatives and we want to state that the fact that they are tribeless is to us as NCIC a positive thing," he stated.
"We have been promoting in the country, a country that has Kenyans first and foremost, then other identities follow, and particularly tribes, ethnicities," Kobia said in a press statement.
The Chairperson stated the importance of issue-based rather than ethnic-based approaches, particularly in the context of national elections.
"For us, I want to say that a group that emerges that is specifically saying they are tribeless is welcomed because if we deal with the issues in the country just like the way we called Kenyans in the run-up to the elections saying that elections must be issue-based not ethnic-based," he emphasized.
NCIC chairperson also commended the peaceful nature of the protests, which stood out as a significant achievement for the youth.
"We welcome the fact that the Gen Z demonstrations were peaceful and we followed very closely, particularly the very first one which it was clear that it was Gen Z and it was peaceful therefore that is the other thing that we commend the Gen Z," NCIC said.
The NCIC's support for the Gen Z protests marks a significant endorsement of the younger generation's efforts to transcend tribal divisions and promote a unified Kenyan identity.
Over the years, the commission has raised issues on tribal issues mostly instigated by a section of politicians in the country.
The commission has summoned leaders in the past to explain their remarks on public events they attended and addressed the electorates.
