Gachagua, governors, and MPs under probe by NCIC for inflammatory statements
In a report to the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration, NCIC CEO Daniel Mutegi identified the governors under scrutiny as Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Jeremiah Lomerukai (Turkana), and Isaac Mutuma (Meru).
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has announced that it is investigating former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, four governors, and 10 Members of Parliament over allegations of hate speech and incitement.
According to the commission, the inquiries are progressing at different stages, but several high-profile leaders have refused to appear for questioning, raising concerns about enforcement and accountability.
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In a report to the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration, NCIC CEO Daniel Mutegi identified 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 told senators that 28 leaders have been summoned to account for their statements, with only some attending.
“I would like to inform the Senate that the former Deputy President and MPs Koech, Odiwuor, Wanyama and Jehow did not honour the summons to appear before the commission and explain themselves,” he said.
He confirmed that those who did appear, including Aburi, Kamket, Hiribae, Maalim, Kuno, Dika, and Mwago, were questioned and allowed to clarify their comments.
The commission’s CEO highlighted that NCIC faces major challenges in handling hate speech cases. Limited financial resources, lack of political support, and stalled legislative reforms have made it difficult to act swiftly.
“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 raised alarms about the rising instances of ethnic profiling and hate speech, warning that failure to take decisive action could lead to unrest as elections approach.
“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.
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