The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Kenya has summoned two Members of Parliament, Didmus Barasa and John Ariko Naimot, over public statements they made in their respective counties. Barasa, the Kimilili MP, and Naimot, the Turkana South MP, have been directed to appear before the commission on September 29, 2026. The NCIC is investigating remarks made by the two lawmakers under various provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
According to the NCIC, Barasa made the remarks on September 19, 2026, in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County. He allegedly spoke about leaders from the former Western Province holding senior government positions and urged them to use their positions to address the interests of people from the region. The commission stated that it will investigate these remarks to determine if they contravene the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Naimot, on the other hand, made his remarks on September 2, 2026, at Kaputir Location in Kapurir Ward, Turkana South Constituency. The NCIC alleges that he used derogatory language in reference to a community while discussing insecurity, livestock raids, and the sharing of benefits from the Lokichar Oil Basin. The commission will also investigate these remarks under the same provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The NCIC has summoned both MPs to appear before it on September 29, 2026, at Britam Tower in Upper Hill, Nairobi. During the hearing, Barasa and Naimot will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations, present evidence, and make representations before the commission decides on the matter. The commission's actions are aimed at promoting national cohesion and integration in Kenya.
The National Cohesion and Integration Act, which came into effect in 2012, aims to promote unity and prevent hate speech and ethnic incitement in Kenya. The Act establishes the NCIC, which is responsible for investigating and addressing issues related to national cohesion and integration. The commission has the power to summon individuals, including MPs, to appear before it and answer to allegations of contravening the Act.
The summons of Barasa and Naimot highlights the NCIC's efforts to enforce the National Cohesion and Integration Act and promote responsible public utterances by leaders. The commission's actions demonstrate its commitment to addressing issues that may threaten national cohesion and integration in Kenya. The outcome of the investigations and hearings will be closely watched by the public and other stakeholders.
The cases of Barasa and Naimot also underscore the challenges faced by leaders in Kenya in balancing their freedom of expression with the need to promote national cohesion and integration. The incidents have sparked debates about the limits of free speech and the role of leaders in promoting unity and preventing hate speech.
Key points
- The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned two MPs, Didmus Barasa and John Ariko Naimot, over separate public statements made in their respective counties.
- The commission is investigating remarks made by the two lawmakers under various provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
- Barasa and Naimot have been directed to appear before the NCIC on September 29, 2026, to respond to the allegations and present evidence.
