The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya over an ongoing case related to ethnic discrimination. The legislator is expected to appear before the Commission’s headquarters today at 11:00 a.m.
Salasya is facing charges stemming from alleged hate speech published on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on May 10. He was formally charged in a Nairobi court on May 19. According to the charge sheet, the MP is accused of intentionally publishing content that was insulting, inciting, and aimed at stirring ethnic hatred between the Luo and Luhya communities.
The offence, as stated in the charge sheet, violates Section 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008. These sections criminalize the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior intended to incite ethnic hatred or discrimination.
In a statement, the NCIC reiterated its commitment to fostering national unity and social cohesion, warning of an alarming rise in political intolerance across the country. The Commission noted that recent public rallies and online platforms have increasingly become channels for personal insults, hate speech, and incitement.
NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia, speaking two weeks ago, expressed concern over the declining quality of political discourse. “What should be platforms for unifying Kenyans are turning into arenas of division and hostility,” he said. He warned that the Commission would not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or political leader found guilty of contravening the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Dr. Kobia emphasized that maintaining peace and mutual respect among Kenya’s diverse communities is critical, especially in the current volatile political climate. He added that several other politicians are currently under investigation for similar offences.
As the country grapples with heightened political tensions, the NCIC’s actions serve as a stern reminder to public figures of their responsibility to uphold unity and avoid rhetoric that could inflame divisions. The outcome of MP Salasya’s case is likely to set a precedent in how Kenya addresses online hate speech and ethnic incitement moving forward.
