The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Turkana South MP John Ariko Naimot over separate public remarks made in Bungoma and Turkana counties.
The two lawmakers are required to appear before the commission on September 29, 2026, at Britam Tower in Upper Hill, Nairobi, to respond to the remarks under investigation.
Barasa’s case stems from comments he allegedly made in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, on September 19. “The Commission is investigating public utterances made by Hon. Didmus Wekesa Barasa at Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County on 19th September, 2026,” the NCIC said.
According to the commission, Barasa spoke about leaders from the former Western Province who currently hold senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, ambassadors and parastatal chairpersons. The commission said the MP urged the leaders to use their positions to address what he described as the interests of people from the region.
The NCIC has now required him to explain the remarks as it investigates whether they breached provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act. “Pursuant thereto, you are hereby summoned pursuant to sections 13, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 63 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, to appear before the Commission,” the summons states.
For Naimot, the inquiry concerns remarks he allegedly made on September 2 while addressing residents at Kaputir Location in Kapurir Ward, Turkana South Constituency. The NCIC said the remarks touched on insecurity, livestock raids and the sharing of benefits from the Lokichar Oil Basin. It further alleged that Naimot used derogatory language when referring to one community during the address.
The commission has therefore summoned him to answer questions on the remarks as part of its inquiry into the matter.
Both MPs will have an opportunity to explain themselves when they appear before the NCIC and present any evidence or representations they wish the commission to consider. “At the inquiry you will be afforded an opportunity to respond, adduce evidence and make any representations you wish the Commission to consider,” the commission stated. The summonses do not amount to a finding that either MP committed an offence, with the NCIC yet to make a determination on the matters.
The commission has, however, warned that failure to appear could result in further action, including warrants of arrest and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.
