NAIROBI, Kenya – Pressure is mounting on the leadership of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) after a petition was filed seeking the removal of its chairperson, Rev. Samuel Kobia, over alleged failures in governance, accountability, and financial management.
The petition, lodged by activist Elizabeth Ochieng’, accuses Kobia of presiding over questionable administrative practices, irregular financial dealings, and a disregard for transparency at the commission.
Among the claims is the issuance of two conflicting appointment letters to former NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Skitter Wangeci—one for three years and another for five years.
According to the petitioner, the extended contract was deliberately crafted to help Dr. Wangeci qualify for a state-backed mortgage scheme reserved for senior officials, a benefit she was allegedly not entitled to.
“This constitutes abuse of office and potentially fraudulent misrepresentation, in violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003,” the petition states.
Ochieng’ noted that the matter is already under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The petition also accuses Kobia of making unauthorised withdrawals from NCIC accounts under the guise of “confidential funds,” and of securing overdrafts without board approval—moves that allegedly left the commission paying hefty interest penalties, in breach of the Public Finance Management Act.
On governance, Ochieng’ claims Kobia frequently undertook costly international trips despite financial constraints at the commission and failed to address red flags raised in audit reports, which she says reflects weak accountability.
Questions have also been raised about his academic qualifications, with the petition alleging that Kobia holds fake academic papers, undermining his suitability for public office.
Ochieng’ is now calling on President William Ruto to order a full inquiry into the allegations and, if substantiated, initiate Kobia’s removal.
She further urged the government to strengthen oversight mechanisms at the NCIC to safeguard public funds and restore confidence in its leadership.
“The petition is not only about individual accountability but about ensuring that NCIC upholds the principles of good governance, integrity, and transparency in serving Kenyans,” she said.
The NCIC, established in 2008 to promote cohesion and integration in the wake of post-election violence, is mandated to monitor hate speech, foster national unity, and resolve inter-ethnic disputes.
The current allegations threaten to cast a shadow on its credibility at a time when political tensions remain high.
