The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has disclosed that ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachgua did not comply with their summonses, thereby intensifying the conflict between him and the commission.
Papers submitted to the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security reveal that Gachagna was one of six people called upon due to allegations of hate speech starting from January 2025.
Other individuals involved were Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, activist Calvince Okoth, also known as Gaucho, along with Starehe MP Amos Mwago, who faces accusations of ethnic discrimination.
Nonetheless, only Mwago and Sanjeev Kumar testified before the commission, whereas Gachunga, Wanyama, and Jerotich Kipkoris, also known as Marakwet Daughter, disregarded the summonses.
This development follows several weeks after the NCIC criticized Gachagna for reportedly delivering inflammatory comments, which included threats to oust Chief Justice Martha Koome from her position.
The NCIC is presently managing 53 cases associated with hate speech and ethnic disdain, of which 32 are being actively investigated. Under examination are individuals including Gachagna, Members of Parliament Wanyama and Bernard Kitur from Nandi Hills, along with Joan Kirong, who serves as an MCA for Kipkateny Ward.
Budget Constraints
The commission is currently looking for another Sh600 million to oversee and combat hate speech, with a focus on its presence on social media platforms.
NCIC representatives voiced worries about the increased political tension, emphasizing the critical requirement for additional support to tackle provocative speech.
The NCIC CEO, Humphrey Kariuki, highlighted that although the organization received Sh567 million in the present fiscal period, these funds were inadequate for conducting ongoing probes, electronic surveillance, and public education initiatives.
Commissioner Abdulaziz Ali Farah expressed concern that a significant portion of NCIC's budget was allocated towards operational expenses like wages and rental fees, thus limiting funds available for implementation activities.
The nation is already caught up in election fever, and we require an integrated strategy to address instances of hate speech. Currently, we primarily receive funding for working from our offices rather than executing our responsibilities,” Farah pointed out.
Commissioner Danvas Makori stated that NCIC was working on an open-source tool aimed at tracking online hate speech. In response to allegations about the commission’s ineffectiveness, he refuted them, attributing the limitations in their reach primarily to financial restrictions.
"There is an impression that NCIC isn’t accomplishing much; however, we’ve made significant progress despite facing numerous obstacles. We strongly encourage the committee to provide funding so we can prevent conflicts from escalating," he stated.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Dido Rasso, raised doubts about whether NCIC could handle the increasing issue of online hate speech.
"The issue of monitoring social media is like an elephant in the room that we can’t ignore. Have you addressed this with the National Police Service?" he questioned.
The Member of Parliament for Laikipia North, Sarah Korere, condemned the commission’s lack of response following Gachgua's contentious comments regarding political stake distribution within the administration.
"When a lecture was being delivered to everyone regarding shares in the government, the commission remained silent. I was expecting your input... You should speak up more," she stated.
Peter Kaluma, the MP for Homa Bay Town, initially advocated for the dissolution of the NCIC but later shifted his position. Instead, he requested the commission to undertake an ethnically focused review of public sector hiring practices. His rationale was that promoting equity within governmental employment could mitigate inter-ethnic conflicts leading up to the 2027 polls.
He cautioned that failing to begin preparations by 2027 could lead to outbreaks of violence surpassing those witnessed in 2007/2008.
Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo informed NCIC that the committee will examine its budget proposal during the upcoming cycle to boost its investigation abilities, combat hate speech online, and initiate new educational efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion before the 2027 polls.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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