Another Governor, MP Summoned Over Alleged Hate Speech
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and Nominated Member of Parliament Joseph Wainaina Iraya to appear before the commission over remarks they allegedly made that are being investigated for possible hate speech and ethnic incitement.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, the NCIC directed the two leaders to appear before the commission on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to respond to the statements under investigation.
The commission said Governor Lenku is being investigated over remarks he allegedly made on August 22 while addressing residents of Ewuaso Oonkidong’i in Kajiado West Constituency.
The NCIC said the governor made statements touching on the political representation of the Maasai community in Kajiado and Narok counties. He reportedly called on members of the community to ensure they had a stronger voice in political leadership and representation within the two counties.
Lenku also criticised political parties for choosing or nominating candidates from outside the local community to occupy political positions in Kajiado and Narok.
His comments have since attracted the attention of the NCIC, which is examining whether they amounted to ethnic incitement or could contribute to tension between different communities.
The governor has been directed to appear before the commission at Britam Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on the 17th floor at 2:00 pm. The appearance is intended to allow him to respond to the allegations and assist investigators as they continue examining the remarks.
The NCIC is investigating the matter under Sections 27, 29 and 63C as read together with Section 63E of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
These provisions deal with conduct and statements that could promote ethnic hostility, discrimination, or threaten peaceful relations between communities.
MP Iraya Also Under Investigation
Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina Iraya is facing a separate investigation over remarks he allegedly made on August 29 while addressing a gathering in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to the NCIC, Iraya allegedly told members of a particular community who did not support President William Ruto or his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to leave the area.
The commission is also examining comments in which the MP reportedly mentioned death while discussing circumstances that could prevent President Ruto from winning the 2027 presidential election.
However, Iraya reportedly clarified that he was praying that such an incident would not happen, even as he discussed the possible political outcome.
The NCIC has now required the nominated MP to appear before the commission and provide an explanation regarding the statements.
The commission will use his response as part of its ongoing investigations into whether the remarks violated laws dealing with hate speech, ethnic incitement and national cohesion.
NCIC Warns Leaders Against Ignoring Summons
The commission has issued a strong warning to both leaders, saying they must personally appear on the date and at the time specified in their summonses.
The NCIC cautioned that failure to honour the summons could result in arrest warrants being issued against the two leaders. They could subsequently be arrested and brought before the commission to assist with the investigations.
The commission also warned that failure to appear could lead to criminal proceedings and/or contempt proceedings, depending on the circumstances of the cases.
The summonses come at a time when the NCIC has increased its monitoring of political statements across the country as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The commission has repeatedly warned politicians and other public figures against making statements that could fuel ethnic divisions, encourage hostility between communities or threaten peace and stability.
With political activity expected to increase as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, the NCIC has stepped up scrutiny of public speeches, rallies and other political statements that could potentially create tension among different groups.
More Leaders Summoned
Governor Lenku and MP Iraya are among several prominent Kenyan leaders who have recently been summoned by the NCIC over controversial political remarks.
Other leaders who have appeared on the commission’s radar include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia.
Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale and Geoffrey Ruku have also been summoned by the commission over statements that raised concerns.
Geoffrey Ruku appeared before the NCIC on Tuesday as the commission continued its investigations into remarks made by political leaders.
The increasing number of summonses reflects the commission’s efforts to monitor political speech and prevent statements that could deepen ethnic divisions as the country heads toward another highly contested general election.
The NCIC has maintained that political leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid language that could provoke hostility or division among Kenyans, particularly during the sensitive period leading up to the 2027 elections.
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