NCIC clears Governor Otuoma, MP Kaluma of hate speech charges

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ruled out prosecution of Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over remarks that had raised concerns about hate speech, intimidation and possible incitement. The commission, however, ordered both leaders to take corrective measures and warned politicians to be careful with their public statements as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election. In its determination delivered in Nairobi on Thursday, the NCIC said it had examined the circumstances surrounding the remarks, their possible impact and whether they met the legal threshold for a hate speech offence. The commission found that some of the language used by the two leaders was capable of causing concern, but said the evidence presented did not justify prosecution. Governor Otuoma came under scrutiny over remarks he made during a public gathering in Bulanda, Busia County, on June 27.