The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has announced plans to summon Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga to record a statement over remarks he made concerning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Commission said it has already received a complaint regarding the governor’s comments and has commenced investigations.
“The NCIC has initiated a process towards summoning Governor Kahiga to make a statement about his remarks. Meanwhile, we call upon the Governor to make an unreserved public apology to the people of Kenya for his utterances,” the Commission stated.
The NCIC expressed concern that Kahiga’s statements not only disrespected the memory of the late Raila Odinga but also risked inflaming ethnic divisions at a time when the nation is in mourning.
“As a Commission mandated to promote national unity, integration, peaceful coexistence, and the elimination of all forms of ethnic discrimination, we are deeply disturbed by the governor’s comments. Such statements do not only dishonour the memory of a national hero but also have the potential to ignite ethnic tension and social discord,” NCIC said.
The Commission described the remarks as “retrogressive” and warned that they undermine Kenya’s progress toward national cohesion and peace.
At the same time, NCIC urged leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements, emphasizing that the period following Odinga’s death should be marked by unity and respect.
“The Commission also takes this opportunity to remind all leaders of their critical role in maintaining peace and national cohesion,” the statement read.
NCIC also expressed concern over retaliatory comments reportedly made by some leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who suggested that they had banned former Deputy President from visiting Bondo.
“The Commission is taken aback by the retaliatory messages by some elected leaders from ODM suggesting that they have banned the former deputy President from visiting Bondo,” it said, urging all political leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric.
NCIC called on Kenyans to remain calm and uphold the values that Raila Odinga championed throughout his political life.
“To all Kenyans, we appeal for calm, tolerance, and unity during this difficult period. The death of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is a loss not only to his immediate family and supporters but to the entire nation. Let us honour his legacy by remaining united, respectful, and committed to the values he stood for: democracy, peace, justice, and inclusivity,” the Commission added.
