NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched investigations into former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, four governors, and 10 Members of Parliament over allegations of hate speech and incitement.
Speaking to the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration, NCIC CEO Daniel Mutegi said the inquiries are at various stages, with some leaders refusing to appear for questioning.
Mutegi named the governors under scrutiny as Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Jeremiah Lomerukai (Turkana), and Isaac Mutuma (Meru).
The MPs include Mpura Aburi (Tigania West), Farah Maalim (Dadaab), Amos Mwago (Starehe), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Nelson Koech (Belgut), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), William Kamket (Lari), Said Hicibae (Galole), Yakub Kuno (Bura), Amina Dika (Tana River Woman Rep), and Fatuma Jehow (Wajir Woman Rep).
Mutegi said that out of 28 leaders summoned to account for their statements, only some attended.
He confirmed that Gachagua, along with MPs Koech, Odiwuor, Wanyama, and Jehow, failed to appear.
Those who did appear, including Aburi, Kamket, Hiribae, Maalim, Kuno, Dika, and Mwago, were questioned and allowed to clarify their comments.
The NCIC chief highlighted significant challenges in addressing hate speech, citing limited funding, lack of political support, and stalled legislative reforms.
“We would like to inform the Senate that the commission lacks political goodwill, especially regarding amendments to the NCIC Act. Since 2014, we have attempted to amend the Act, but the Bill has never progressed beyond the second reading in the National Assembly,” Mutegi explained.
Senator Catherine Mumma warned of the risks posed by rising ethnic profiling and hate speech, urging decisive action to prevent a repeat of post-election violence seen in 2007.
“We would like to know what the NCIC and the National Gender and Equality Commission are doing to ensure we do not go back to where we were in 2007, when the country burnt due to the failure of relevant agencies to act,” she said.
The NCIC has reiterated its commitment to holding leaders accountable while urging stronger political and legislative backing to effectively combat hate speech ahead of the upcoming elections.
