NCIC forms a 15-member committee to mediate post-election disputes

Chairman, National Cohesion and Integration Commission Dr Samwel Kobia.[File, Standard]

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has formed a 15-member committee whose mandate will be to mediate post-election conflicts, chairman Samuel Kobia says.

The committee, which comprises former military officers, and members of the clergy among other professionals have been put in place a day before Kenyans head to the polls.

In a statement released on Monday, August 8, the commission's chair urged Kenyans to maintain calm during the election period.

He has also called on Kenyans to adhere to instructions given to them by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"Through these efforts, the NCIC hopes to guarantee an 'election bila noma'. We urge all Kenyans to once again commit to peace and remain calm throughout this period," Kobia says.

The task force has former Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura and retired Justice Joyce Oluoch as the convener and co-convener responsibly.

Former military officers Lieutenant Generals Daniel Opande and Lazarus Sumbeiywo are the mediation experts of the team.

The team is also comprised of four faith leaders: Sheikh Hamad Kassim, Archbishops Anthony Muheria, Jackson Ole Sapit and Philip Anyolo.

Other members of the committee are Nerima Wako (youth leader), Fatuma Abdikadir, Dr Vimal Shah (corporate leader), Catherine Musakali (governance expert), chancellor Robert Mutula (Public engagement expert), Bishop Emeritus Stephen Kewasis (peace expert) and the NCIC chair, who also doubles up as an ex-officio member of the committee.

The committee has been tasked with; facilitating dialogue between two disputing parties, offering locally-led solutions to political disputes, mediation of political-related conflict across the country, mobilising political players to respect the law, facilitating efficient communication between disputing parties, establishing facts of the disputes as well as managing politicians and their supporters' expectations.