Governor Joseph Ole Lenku Summoned After Complaining About Ksh5M Donated At Funeral

NCIC revealed that it is investigating utterances by the governor made within the county on two separate occasions

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku Summoned After Complaining About Ksh5M Donated At Funeral
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku during a past address. /NTV

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Thursday, September 12 summoned Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku.

In a letter dated September 9, 2024, and obtained by Viral Tea, NCIC revealed that it is investigating utterances by the governor made within the county on two separate occasions, all of which were viewed to contain inflammatory remarks.

Here is the statement in part:

WHEREAS the National Cohesion and Integration Commission is investigating utterances you made within Kajiado County to wit:

"Jana walienda mazishi ya non Maasai's wakaenda kutoa 5 Million. Hatujawai skia boma ya wamaasai wamepea 5 Million ya mazishi. Why did they do that? Because that is where their hearts are. They value our enemies (non Maasai) more than us. Wanajipendekeza kwa non Maasai's. You invest in and support those that your heart loves. So when some- one goes to give 5 Million towards a burial for our enemies, they are building them. Na si tulisema tunajiweza kama wamaasai?" at Ewuaso, Kajiado West on 6th September 2024.

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku during a past meeting. /FILE

AND

"ATI mkikuyu anakuja karibu na shamba yangu ama yako hata kama ni ndugu yako unamrusha (kumpiga) mnyamaza, mnaniskia hawa warombo, mnakuja ati ni kukula kesi, kesi gani hiyo tunakula kama hakuna MTU amekatwa shingo. Lazima nyinyi pia mtufufue (mtusisumue) Sisi, kwani nyinyi kama hamuezani na watu kama nyinyi na je watu wengine wa nje hamutawaweza?" on 12th August 2024 at Rombo Group Ranch.

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.

NCIC had compelled the county boss to appear Commission's offices at KMA Centre, 6th Hoor, Mara Road, Upper Hill on Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 am to assist the Commission in the ongoing investigations.

"Take notice that 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," stated NCIC.

"Take further notice that unless you appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time, the Commission shall institute contempt proceedings against you with the attendant consequences."

The commission did not however reveal at the time of going to press if Ole Lenku had honoured the summons or not.

Over the years, NCIC has raised issues on tribal issues mostly instigated by a section of politicians in the country and has summoned a series of politicians regarding remarks bordering on incitement and hate speech along tribal lines, particularly in public events they have addressed.

Recently, NCIC summoned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s close ally and Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya over utterances bordering on incitement, mandating him to avail himself at the commission headquarters located at Upper Hill in Nairobi on September 5, by 11 am to aid with investigations.

On Sunday, September 8, the Commission announced the arrest of Kitui County Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Jeremiah Mutua days after he was summoned over a reckless Facebook post.

NCIC Chair Dr Samuel Kobia addressing members of the press. /NCIC