NCIC summons two MPs over alleged inflammatory remarks
The Commission has directed Wanyama to appear at their offices in Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on January 29, 2025, with Mwago scheduled for January 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. T
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned MPs Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), and Mwago Amos Maina (Starehe), over accusations of making statements likely to incite hostility and undermine national unity.
The remarks in question are said to threaten the peaceful coexistence of Kenyans, particularly along political and ethnic lines.
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Wanyama is under investigation for remarks he made during an interdenominational prayer event at Cheptais Boys' High School in Bungoma County on January 19, 2025.
His alleged statements included divisive language such as, "Hiyo mlima iliteleza na itateleza milele.......sisi wote tukiungana mahali pamoja nawaambia we will isolate them, it will be us against them......na mimi sina uwoga kusema hivyo."
According to the NCIC, such utterances potentially violate Section 13(1)(a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which prohibits statements capable of inciting feelings of contempt, hatred, or hostility, particularly among groups with differing political views.
"Words which are likely to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination, affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic communities in Kenya, contrary to Section 13(1) (a) and Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act," said NCIC.
Similarly, Mwago is being investigated for comments made at a public forum, where he allegedly linked past presidencies to tribal biases and controversial events while endorsing a specific leader for the presidency.
In part of his statement, he allegedly said, "Wakati wa Moi mambo ya corruption ikaingia... sasa wakati wa huyu mutu mwenye alichoma watu Kiambaa amefwatwa na damu ya vijana."
The NCIC claims that Mwago's remarks, which referenced historical injustices and bloodshed, breach both Sections 13(1)(a) and 62 of the Act by fostering divisive rhetoric and inciting discrimination.
The Commission has directed Wanyama to appear at their offices in Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on January 29, 2025, with Mwago scheduled for January 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. They have warned that failure to comply constitutes an offence under Section 63 of the Act.
This move is part of NCIC's wider efforts to combat hate speech and ensure political discourse in Kenya remains inclusive and respectful, particularly as political tensions rise across the country.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to fostering national unity and addressing inflammatory language that undermines peaceful relations.
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