MP Gakuya summoned by NCIC over incitement remarks

By Antynet Ford

Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for questioning.

The MP is expected to appear before the commission tomorrow over incitement remarks he allegedly uttered that border on incitement.

The commission says the legislator made the remarks on an unspecified date and time; words whose context the commission says appeared to incite Kenyans against members of a certain community by allegedly labeling them “outsiders” who should not buy properties in Nairobi.

“Words which are likely to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination [and] affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic groups in Kenya, contrary to Section 62(1) (a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.” The commission said in a letter to Gakuya.

NCIC said the legislator made the offending remarks in his native language.

As a result, the commission asked the lawmaker to appear before the commission at its Britam Towers Upper Hill office.

“Failure to appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time, is an offence as provided under Section 63(c) as read with Section 63(e) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.”

The commission stated that the UDA MP further accused the government of targeting people from his community during the demolition of structures on riparian land around the Gikomba market.

“It’s very disturbing electing a government which later turns against us demolishing our apartments in broad daylight. The buildings are near seasonal rivers unlike in Mombasa where buildings are built along the ocean,” NCIC said.