Petition filed seeking removal of NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia
The petition, by Elizabeth Ochieng’, highlights alleged failures in governance, financial management, and public accountability at the Commission.
Calls for accountability at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have intensified after a petition was filed seeking the removal of chairperson Rev Samuel Kobia.
The petition, by Elizabeth Ochieng’, highlights alleged failures in governance, financial management, and public accountability at the Commission.
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Ochieng’ claims that under Kobia’s leadership, NCIC has been marred by questionable administrative practices and financial irregularities.
She alleges that he issued two conflicting appointment letters to former Chief Executive Officer Dr Skitter Wangeci, one for three years and another for five years.
The longer contract, according to Ochieng’, was designed to help Dr Wangeci secure a mortgage at a three per cent interest rate reserved for state officers, despite her not being eligible for such benefits.
“This constitutes abuse of office and potentially fraudulent misrepresentation, which is a direct violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003. We note that this specific matter is currently pending investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” the petition reads in part.
Ochieng’ further accuses Kobia of making unauthorised withdrawals from NCIC accounts under the label of “confidential funds” without board approval.
She also claims he took overdrafts in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, forcing the Commission to pay substantial interest charges, which she says is a direct violation of regulations on public borrowing.
In addition to financial mismanagement, Ochieng’ alleges that Kobia undertook multiple international trips at high cost while NCIC faced financial constraints.
She also points to his failure to adequately respond to issues raised in audit reports, arguing that this shows a lack of transparency and weak accountability within the Commission.
On academic grounds, the petition claims that Kobia possesses fake academic papers, calling into question his qualifications for a position of such public importance.
Ochieng’ is now asking President Ruto to launch a full investigation into the allegations and recommend the immediate removal of Kobia if the claims are substantiated.
She is also urging the President to implement stronger oversight mechanisms at NCIC to prevent similar incidents in the future, protect public funds, and restore confidence in the institution’s leadership.
The petition, she says, is necessary not only to address the alleged mismanagement and misuse of authority but also to ensure that NCIC operates within the principles of good governance, financial integrity, and public accountability.
She calls for swift action to safeguard the reputation of the Commission and strengthen public trust in its ability to promote cohesion and integration across the country.
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