NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit over separate public remarks the commission is investigating for possible breaches of Kenya’s cohesion and hate-speech laws.
The two lawmakers have been directed to appear before the NCIC at Britam Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on September 29, 2026.
Barasa is scheduled to appear at 10 am, while Ariko is expected before the commission at 2 pm.
The summonses give both MPs an opportunity to respond to the allegations, present evidence and make representations before the commission makes a determination.
Barasa remarks on Western Kenya leaders
Barasa’s case relates to remarks he allegedly made in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, on September 19.
According to the NCIC summons, the Kimilili MP spoke about leaders from the former Western Province who hold senior government positions, including Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, ambassadors and parastatal chairpersons.
The commission said Barasa urged leaders from the region to use their positions to advance what he described as the interests of people from Western Kenya.
The NCIC is investigating the remarks under several provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The inquiry will also examine comments attributed to Barasa concerning the treatment of candidates from different communities during recruitment interviews.
Ariko remarks on Pokot community
Ariko’s summons relates to remarks he allegedly made at Kaputir Location in Kapurir Ward, Turkana South Constituency, on September 2.
The NCIC said the remarks concerned relations between the Turkana and Pokot communities, livestock raids, insecurity and the sharing of benefits from the Lokichar Oil Basin.
According to the commission, Ariko used derogatory language when referring to members of the Pokot community and allegedly linked Pokots living and grazing in Turkana South to livestock raids.
The summons also cites remarks in which he allegedly suggested that stolen livestock should first be sought from Pokots living in the area.
The commission is investigating the statements under provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Lokichar oil benefits also raised
The NCIC summons indicates that Ariko’s remarks also touched on who should benefit from the Lokichar oil basin.
The commission cited statements in which the MP allegedly said Pokots would not receive benefits from the oil project and questioned their connection to the area.
These statements are among the matters Ariko will be required to address during the cohesion inquiry.
MPs given chance to respond
The NCIC said both lawmakers will have an opportunity to respond to the matters under investigation.
“At the inquiry you will be afforded an opportunity to respond, adduce evidence and make any representation you wish the Commission to consider,” the commission said.
The summonses therefore do not amount to a finding that either MP has committed an offence. The NCIC will consider the MPs’ responses and other evidence before determining the matters.
Arrest warrants warning issued
The commission has warned both lawmakers that failure to appear in person on the specified date could have legal consequences.
According to the summonses, failure to attend could lead to warrants of arrest, production before the commission and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.
The summonses come as the NCIC intensifies scrutiny of political remarks ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly statements touching on ethnicity, community relations and political mobilisation.
