NCIC: We did not clear Kaluma, Otuoma over controversial remarks
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Kenya has clarified that it did not clear MP Peter Kaluma and Governor Paul Otuoma of wrongdoing regarding controversial remarks. The commission issued adverse findings and mandated corrective measures, including public retractions and peace engagements.
Why it matters
This highlights the role of regulatory bodies in managing political rhetoric and maintaining social cohesion in a polarized political environment.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairperson Dr Kepha Omae/HANDOUT
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has dismissed reports suggesting that it cleared Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma over remarks that had triggered investigations.
NCIC chairperson Dr Kepha Omae said the commission’s determinations contained adverse findings against both leaders and that reports portraying them as having been “cleared” misrepresented the decisions.
He also rejected suggestions that the commission had summoned the two leaders to sanitise their remarks.
According to Omae, the Commission investigated the statements and considered the respective defences before arriving at its determinations.
In Kaluma’s case, the NCIC found his speech to be “intemperate, ambiguous and dangerous in its reasonably understood meaning”, saying it created an appreciable risk of political intimidation.
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