Senator Malala summoned by NCIC over Bukhungu utterances
Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala speaks at Bomas of Kenya on November 4, 2021 during Ford Kenya's National Delegates Congress.
What you need to know:
- NCIC boss says it is unlawful to prevent anyone from holding political meetings in any part of the country.
- Dr Kobia warned hate mongers that they risk not being cleared to run in the forthcoming general elections.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala over the utterances he made on Sunday regarding a planned political meeting Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County.
On Sunday, Mr Malala vowed to ensure the said political meeting scheduled for December 31, 2021 does not take place, unless the organisers get a permit from Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi.
Mr Malala claimed that the meeting has been planned by a section of the region’s leaders, whom he termed “political brokers”, to endorse ODM leader Raila Odinga as the preferred presidential candidate in next year's General Election.
“Kakamega is my bedroom. I want to tell them that unless they get a permit from Musalia, let them not step to Kakamega on December 31... I want to officially state that there will be no meeting at Bukhungu Stadium on the 31,” said Mr Malala on Sunday.
“… even if you want to declare that Raila as the preferred candidate, why don’t you go and endorse him in Kondele, or in Siaya or Yala? We have said that Kakamega is a no-go zone,” he went on.
Regrettable utterances
Reacting to Malala's remarks, NCIC Chairperson Dr Samuel Kobia termed the Senator's utterances as regrettable and unwarranted.
Dr Kobia said Kenya has no bedrooms and living rooms for any politician and it is unlawful to prevent anyone from holding political meetings in any part of the country.
“It is with this in mind that we have today summoned Senator Cleophas Malala to answer for his regrettable and unwarranted statements that allegedly meant to lock out a political candidate from holding a meeting at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega slated for the December 31, 2021,” said Dr Kobia.
“These summons also mean that he is now a prime candidate for inclusion in the wall of shame. As well as facing the full force of the law,” Dr Kobia added.
Going forward, he said the Commission will continue to be extra vigilant and monitor the nation to ensure the political class does not lead the country into dangerous situations by their reckless statements.
Dr Kobia warned hate mongers that they risk not being cleared to run in the forthcoming general elections.
