NCIC Summons MPs Didmus Barasa and John Ariko Over Public Remarks

NCIC Summons MPs Didmus Barasa and John Ariko Over Public Remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Turkana South MP John Ariko Namoit over separate public remarks made in Bungoma and Turkana counties.

The commission issued the summonses on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, directing the two lawmakers to appear before it on September 29 for separate cohesion inquiries. Barasa is expected at 10am, while Namoit will appear at 2pm at Britam Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The investigations come as the NCIC examines statements made by the MPs in September that the commission says require further inquiry under provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Didmus Barasa Summoned Over Bungoma Remarks

Barasa is being questioned over remarks he allegedly made in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, on September 19.

According to the NCIC summons, the Kimilili MP spoke about leaders from the former Western Province who currently hold senior government positions, including Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, ambassadors and parastatal chairpersons.

The commission said Barasa urged leaders from the region who had secured senior government positions to use their offices to address the interests of residents from the area.

The NCIC quoted part of his remarks in the summons.

“Hiyo ndio maana sisi tunarudi nyuma kama jamii.”

The statement translates to: “That is why we, as a community, are lagging behind.”

The commission said the remarks are being examined under several provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Barasa has been directed to appear before the NCIC in person and respond to the issues raised during the inquiry.

John Ariko Faces Separate NCIC Inquiry

Namoit, meanwhile, has been summoned over remarks he allegedly made at Kaputir Location in Kapurir Ward, Turkana South Constituency, on September 2.

The NCIC said his statements concerned relations between the Turkana and Pokot communities, insecurity, livestock raids and the sharing of benefits from the Lokichar Oil Basin.

According to the summons, Namoit allegedly used derogatory language while referring to members of the Pokot community.

Among the statements cited by the commission was:

“Turkanas are rational, not fools like Pokots. Pokots are fools.”

The MP was also quoted as saying:

“Pokots will never see any coin from the oilfield of Lokichar Oil Basin.”

The NCIC said the statements form part of an ongoing inquiry and that Namoit will have an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding his remarks.

MPs Given Opportunity to Respond

The commission stressed that the summonses are part of an investigative process and do not amount to a finding that either MP has committed an offence.

Both lawmakers will be allowed to respond to the allegations, provide evidence and make representations before the commission reaches a determination.

“At the inquiry you will be afforded an opportunity to respond, adduce evidence and make any representations you wish the Commission to consider.”

The NCIC has also warned that failure to appear in person could result in warrants of arrest and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.

The inquiries come as the commission continues to examine public statements by political leaders and other public figures under its mandate to promote national cohesion and address conduct that could undermine peaceful relations among Kenya’s communities.

For Barasa and Namoit, the September 29 appearances will provide the first formal opportunity to respond to the specific allegations cited in the NCIC summonses before the commission determines the next course of action.

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NCIC Summons MPs Didmus Barasa and John Ariko Over Public Remarks