NCIC summons Embakasi North MP over incitement remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Embakasi North MP James Gakuya to appear before it for questioning.

Gakuya, according to NCIC, must appear on Thursday for questioning over incitement remarks he allegedly uttered that border on incitement.

The MP according to a letter dated August 26, 2024, by NCIC acting secretary Harrison Kariuk, allegedly made the remarks on an unspecified date and time.

The commission says the legislator made the remarks on an unspecified date and time; words whose context the commission says appeared to incite Kenyans against members of a certain community by allegedly labelling them "outsiders" who should not buy properties in Nairobi.

"Words which are likely to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination [and] affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic groups in Kenya, contrary to Section 62(1) (a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act," the commission said.

Native language

NCIC said Gakuya made the offending remarks in his native language.

As a result, the commission asked the lawmaker to appear before the commission on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11 am at Britam Towers Upper Hill 18th Floor.

"Failure to appear in person at the aforementioned place, date and time, is an offence as provided under Section 63(c) as read with Section 63(e) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act," the commission added.

The commission stated that the UDA MP further accused the government of targeting people from his community during the demolition of structures on riparian land around the Gikomba market.

"It's very disturbing electing a government which later turns against us demolishing our apartments in broad daylight. The buildings are near seasonal rivers unlike in Mombasa where buildings are built along the ocean," NCIC said.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is established by an Act of Parliament - the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008.

The commission is mandated to promote national unity and harmony by promoting peaceful relations among communities, particularly by guarding against negative ethnicity, racism and religious intolerance.

The scope of the commission's mandate is provided under Section 25 of the Act.