The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Wekesa Barasa over remarks the commission is investigating as possible hate speech. The summons issued on September 22, 2026, follows an inquiry into statements allegedly made by the legislator during a gathering in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, on September 19.
In the remarks captured on video, Barasa appeared to call on leaders from Western Kenya appointed to senior government and parastatal positions to use their offices to advance the interests of people from their communities.
The MP cited positions such as Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, ambassador and heads of parastatals, arguing that leaders from the Western region should ensure members of their communities benefit from opportunities available through those offices. Barasa also spoke about recruitment and interviews, appearing to encourage officials from the region to favour applicants from Western Kenya while rejecting candidates from other parts of the country.
He illustrated his argument using hypothetical candidates from different communities, suggesting that an applicant from Western Kenya could be considered successful even with weaker qualifications, while a candidate from another region could be rejected despite presenting themselves well.
The remarks have prompted scrutiny from the NCIC amid concerns over statements that could potentially undermine national cohesion and promote ethnic discrimination.
The commission has directed Barasa to appear before its officials on September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The appearance will take place at the NCIC offices on the 17th floor of Britam Towers.
The NCIC has further cautioned that failure to honour the summons at the specified date and time could lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The summons comes as the commission continues to monitor public utterances by political leaders and other public figures that could have implications for peaceful coexistence and relations among Kenya’s different communities.
