Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia has pushed back against the National Cohesion and Integration Commission's decision to investigate her over alleged hate speech, insisting the agency had already reviewed the video in question and found nothing unlawful, while accusing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of validating the controversy by refusing to apologise or appear before the commission.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Muhia said she was surprised to see her name among 10 people listed by NCIC as political leaders under investigation over alleged hate speech and ethnic incitement. She maintained that the commission had previously examined the same video and concluded that it contained no wrongdoing.
"Last night I saw the top 10 list where I was also included by NCIC, but this is a second thought because the same NCIC said they analysed my video and they didn't find anything wrong with it," Muhia said.
The legislator said her remarks were made in response to statements raised during campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and were never intended to target any community.
Muhia also turned her attention to Duale, saying he had failed to dispute the translation of the remarks that sparked the controversy. She argued that his refusal to apologise or appear before NCIC unless other political leaders were also summoned amounted to an admission.
"He has said I cannot even apologise, and I cannot even go to NCIC unless accompanied by Rigathi Gachagua. So by him not denying, he has confirmed what is translated," Muhia claimed.
She cautioned against using political disputes to condemn entire communities, saying differences between leaders should remain personal rather than being extended to ethnic groups.
"It is unfortunate to put one community in one basket. Even if you have some difference with me, you can always attack me as Wanjiku, but don't put my community and say this is a hyena," she said.
NCIC on Tuesday named Muhia among 10 individuals under investigation over alleged hate speech and ethnic incitement, saying the move is part of efforts to curb statements that could threaten national cohesion as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muhia also revisited the Sh1.5 million penalty imposed on her by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission over remarks made during campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
She said the money was raised by her supporters after the fine was issued, arguing that residents had embraced the political process as their own.
"The Sh1.5 million I didn't pay, though the community did contribute. I think nowadays there is that feeling of the community owning the process," Muhia said.
The MP explained that her comments during the campaigns were meant to counter claims that outsiders would be brought into the constituency to influence the election.
"I was basically responding to him(Moses Kuria) that don't come with your ATM here because actually our women don't even have machines. So we sell by cash or M-Pesa," Muhia said.
She said her intention was to defend the right of Ol Kalou residents to choose their own leaders without interference from people who do not vote in the constituency.
IEBC's Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee found that her remarks breached campaign rules and were capable of promoting hostility and intimidation. The commission fined her Sh1.5 million and directed her to issue a public apology.
Muhia later challenged the decision in court, where the High Court suspended enforcement of the penalty, temporarily stopping both the payment of the fine and the requirement to apologise until the case is determined.
The lawmaker also dismissed claims that her remarks were divisive, saying Kenya should move beyond judging people based on their ethnic background.
"We are from the mountain, and unless that mountain is changed the name, we are proud," she said, adding that younger generations increasingly see themselves as Kenyans first.
"Whether you come in from Italy, Kisumu, Mountain, and no one should really try to belittle you because of where you come from," she added.