The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has taken decisive action in response to controversial remarks attributed to Dadaab Member of Parliament, Farah Maalim.
The comments, allegedly captured in a viral video, have sparked concern due to their potential impact on Kenya’s political landscape. In the video, Maalim is purportedly heard speaking in Somali, suggesting that if he were the Kenyan President, he would adopt a more stringent approach towards demonstrators. These remarks were reportedly made in the context of the Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
“Hon. Farah Maalim is required to appear before the Commission to assist with the aforementioned ongoing investigations. Failure to appear in person at the said place, date, and time, is an offence as provided under Section 63 (c) as read with Section 63 (e) of the NCI Act,” the statement reads in part
The NCIC, an organization mandated to promote national unity and address issues related to ethnicity and discrimination, has summoned Maalim to assist with ongoing investigations. The commission contends that Maalim’s statements may have incited feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination among different political factions in Kenya. The summons issued to Maalim is in accordance with Section 27 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008. Should Maalim fail to appear before the commission, he could face legal repercussions under Section 63 (c) as read with Section 63 (e) of the NCI Act.
Despite the summons, Maalim has maintained that the video was doctored and that the comments attributed to him were not his original remarks. However, he has yet to provide substantive evidence to support this claim. In addition to Maalim, the NCIC has also summoned another individual named Merimet. Merimet allegedly made incendiary comments directed at several communities residing in Nakuru County. Both Maalim and Merimet are required to report to the NCIC headquarters tomorrow in Nairobi for further investigation.
