Kenyan nominated MP Joseph Wainaina Iraya has acknowledged that he "errored in judgement" when making remarks during a meeting with Kapseret residents in Uasin Gishu County. He appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on September 30 to respond to questions over the remarks he made on August 29. The NCIC presented evidence to Wainaina on how his statements could affect relations among communities in Uasin Gishu and the wider country.
The NCIC had initially summoned Wainaina to appear before it on September 17 to assist with investigations into the August 29 remarks. However, the session was rescheduled, and Wainaina appeared before the commission on September 30, where the session was chaired by Bishop Kepha Omae. The commission said the inquiry falls within its legal mandate under the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
During the session, Wainaina was interrogated on the context of his remarks and their possible impact. The NCIC presented evidence to show the possible effect of his remarks on peaceful coexistence in Uasin Gishu as well as other parts of the country. According to the commission, Wainaina was remorseful and acknowledged that he had committed an error in judgement when making the utterances.
Wainaina has committed to retracting his remarks and agreed to work with the NCIC as a peace ambassador on the ground. The aim is to help maintain peace and stability in Uasin Gishu County and across the country. The commission welcomed the commitment and said political leaders and members of the public should exercise their rights responsibly and in accordance with the law.
The NCIC urged leaders and citizens to stay away from ethnic contempt, incitement to violence, and hate speech, particularly in their political engagements. The commission repeated its call for responsible political engagement, emphasizing that political leaders must exercise their political rights within the law and avoid actions or statements that could threaten peaceful relations between communities.
The incident is part of a broader concern about rising political tensions and violence ahead of the 2027 election. Recently, Brian Weke warned of rising political violence, and the NCIC rescheduled MP Wainaina's hearing over Uasin Gishu remarks. The commission also summoned MPs Didmus Barasa and John Ariko over public remarks.
The NCIC's efforts to promote national unity and harmony are ongoing, with the commission mandated to address negative ethnicity, racism, religious intolerance, and hate speech. The commission's work aims to encourage peaceful relations between different communities and promote a culture of peace and stability across the country.
Key points
- MP Joseph Wainaina admits to "erroring in judgement" over remarks made to Kapseret residents.
- Wainaina commits to retracting his remarks and working with the NCIC as a peace ambassador.
- The NCIC urges leaders and citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and avoid ethnic contempt, incitement to violence, and hate speech.
