The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku following controversial remarks he made on two separate occasions within the county. In a letter dated September 9, 2024, and obtained by Viral Tea, the NCIC confirmed it is investigating the governor's statements, which are being scrutinized for potentially inflammatory content. This comes after the governor expressed displeasure over a Ksh5 million donation made during a funeral, further raising concerns about the nature of his comments.
Here is the statement in part:
WHEREAS the National Cohesion and Integration Commission is investigating utterances you made within Kajiado County to wit:
"Jana walienda mazishi ya non Maasai's wakaenda kutoa 5 Million. Hatujawai skia boma ya wamaasai wamepea 5 Million ya mazishi. Why did they do that? Because that is where their hearts are. They value our enemies (non Maasai) more than us. Wanajipendekeza kwa non Maasai's. You invest in and support those that your heart loves. So when some- one goes to give 5 Million towards a burial for our enemies, they are building them. Na si tulisema tunajiweza kama wamaasai?" at Ewuaso, Kajiado West on 6th September 2024.
"ATI mkikuyu anakuja karibu na shamba yangu ama yako hata kama ni ndugu yako unamrusha (kumpiga) mnyamaza, mnaniskia hawa warombo, mnakuja ati ni kukula kesi, kesi gani hiyo tunakula kama hakuna MTU amekatwa shingo. Lazima nyinyi pia mtufufue (mtusisumue) Sisi, kwani nyinyi kama hamuezani na watu kama nyinyi na je watu wengine wa nje hamutawaweza?" on 12th August 2024 at Rombo Group Ranch.
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The NCIC has determined that the governor's remarks were calculated to incite hate and could potentially disrupt peaceful coexistence between the Maasai and other communities. This violates Section 62(1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008. As a result, the Commission has summoned the county leader to appear at its offices on the 6th floor of KMA Centre, Mara Road, Upper Hill, on Thursday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m., to assist with the ongoing investigations.
"Take notice that pursuant to section 29 of the NCI Act, summons issued by the Commission must be obeyed as if such summons were issued by the High Court," stated NCIC.
"Take further notice that unless you appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time, the Commission shall institute contempt proceedings against you with the attendant consequences."
The commission did not however reveal at the time of going to press if Ole Lenku had honoured the summons or not.
Over the years, NCIC has raised issues on tribal issues mostly instigated by a section of politicians in the country and has summoned a series of politicians regarding remarks bordering on incitement and hate speech along tribal lines, particularly in public events they have addressed.
Recently, the NCIC summoned Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya, a close ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, over remarks that were seen as bordering on incitement. Gakuya was required to appear at the Commission’s headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on September 5 at 11 a.m. to assist with investigations.
Additionally, on Sunday, September 8, the Commission announced the arrest of Kitui County Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Jeremiah Mutua, just days after he was summoned for a reckless post on Facebook.
