The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku over his inflammatory remarks.
In a letter dated September 9 obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, NCIC announced that it was investigating utterances made by the governor on two separate occasions, including one in which he complained of Ksh5 million donated at a funeral.
NCIC revealed that the utterances, made on August 12, 2024, at Rombo Group Ranch, were ethnically driven and classified as hateful.
“These words were calculated to be hateful and are likely to affect harmonious coexistence between the Maasai and other communities contrary to section 62(1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008,” read the notice in part.
Lenku, as a result, was summoned to appear before the commission on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00 am, a directive he appeared to snub as per our communication with a representative at NCIC.
The commission cautioned that unless the governor appeared in person, it would have no option but to institute contempt proceedings against him with the attendant consequences.
“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,” it added.
The second incident related to the Governor’s remarks on the issue of lands. It is alleged the governor tried to incite his supporters against people from outside the county.
