The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has stepped in to investigate public statements made by two Members of Parliament, signalling the government’s commitment to maintaining national unity and protecting communities from divisive speech.
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa and Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit have both been summoned to appear before the commission following complaints about remarks they allegedly made in their respective regions. The summonses come as concerns grow about political language that could fuel ethnic tensions in different parts of the country.
The Allegations Against Barasa
Barasa faces investigation over comments he made in Sirisia Constituency, located in Bungoma County, on September 19, 2026. According to the NCIC, the MP allegedly discussed how government appointments to senior positions have favored individuals from the former Western Province. He is also accused of making statements about how candidates from different communities are treated differently during job interviews.
In remarks cited by the commission, Barasa described a hypothetical situation involving candidates identified by names linked to specific communities. The MP reportedly suggested that people from the former Western region who get appointed to senior government posts should use those positions to advance the interests of local residents. He even used a local language phrase expressing frustration about his community allegedly lagging behind in government appointments.
The MP has been ordered to appear at the NCIC offices in Britam Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on September 29 at 10 o’clock in the morning.
Namoit’s Comments About Pokots
Separately, Namoit is being investigated for remarks he made in Kaputir location in Kapurir Ward, Turkana South Constituency, on September 2, 2026. The allegations against the MP are particularly serious, as he is accused of using insulting language to describe an entire community.
According to the NCIC, Namoit referred to Pokots as “fools” and “terrible animals.” More seriously, he allegedly told members of his constituency that Pokot people would never benefit from the Lokichar Oil Basin project. These remarks touch on sensitive issues around resource sharing and community relations in the oil-rich region.
The commission is investigating the utterances under provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which aims to protect communities from divisive and inflammatory language. Namoit is required to appear before the NCIC on the same day as Barasa, but at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at the same location.
What Happens Next
Both summonses carry serious consequences. The NCIC has made clear that failure to appear in person could result in warrants of arrest and possible criminal or contempt proceedings. This underscores how seriously the commission is treating these matters.
However, the commission has also emphasized that the summonses themselves do not amount to a finding that either MP has committed an offence. Both MPs will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations, provide evidence in their defence, and make their case before any determination is made about whether they violated the law.
The investigation represents an important test of whether political leaders can be held accountable for language that threatens national cohesion. As the country grapples with questions about resource distribution and community representation in government, the NCIC’s actions suggest that inflammatory statements will not go unchallenged.
For residents of Bungoma and Turkana counties, and indeed Kenyans more broadly, the investigations signal that leadership comes with responsibility not just to deliver services, but also to build unity rather than division.
