Khalifa Ready to Face NCIC over Lamu Remarks
By Shadrack Nyakoe
A human rights defender has asked a commission that had summoned him to clearly state what it is they are accusing him of before he appears before it.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission had on November 27 last year summoned Muslims for Human Rights director Khelef Khalifa to appear before the commission on December 9, 2024.
This was in relation to a viral video that showed him accuse people in government of deliberately marginalizing the indigenous Lamu people.
Khalifa said the Lamu people have a right to be represented politically by their own people.
There has been hue and cry from the Lamu indigenous people over the invasion of Lamu lands by ‘outsiders’.
NCIC chair Samuel Kobia, in a statement on November 27, last year, said Khalifa’s remarks are unfortunate, divisive, and border on hate speech, ethnic contempt and religious discrimination.
“According to the Constitution, Kenyans have freedom to live, do business, and participate in county and national affairs anywhere in the Republic,” Kobia said in a statement.
However, Khalifa could not honour the summons because he was out of the country in December.
On Sunday, after jetting back into the country, Khalifa said he is ready to face the NCIC.
He wrote to Kobia saying he is yet to know what he has been accused of and is seeking the specifics.
“I would love to hear any updates or communication you may have for me. I believe commissions are vital for ensuring strong oversight of state activities and prioritizing the public’s interest. That’s why I’m fully committed to attending whenever I’m called upon,” Khalifa said.
“That said. I do have concerns. I haven’t yet been informed about the specifics of the allegations against me or whether any laws have been breached. I’m keen to clarify these issues and get to the bottom of this matter,” he wrote.
Kobia, in response to Khalifa’s letter, said he was not aware the rights crusader was abroad when he was first summoned.
“Tomorrow, Monday, I will revert back to you with details about what led to our summons,” Kobia told Khalifa.
However, on Tuesday, Khalifa said he was yet to receive any further communication from Kobia or the commission.
He said he is ready to defend himself and reiterated his stance that Lamu people have been marginalized for a long time and continue to be subjected to systemic marginalization to date.
“I stand by my words. I am not going to retract what I said. It is the truth and the reality,” Khalifa told the Star on Tuesday.
He said Kenya has to learn to be consistent in respecting the rule of law, especially the authorities.
