NCIC Summons MP Farah Maalim Over His Remarks On Protesting Gen Zs, Says It Is Inciting

By Sefu Sabila

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Daadab Member of Parliament, Hon. Farah Maalim to appear before the Commission.

In a statement released in June, Wednesday 10, the Lawmaker is scheduled to appear the commission on Thursday 11th July 2024 at 11.00 a.m on its official headquarters in Nairobi.

According to the commission, Maalim remarks on the demonstrating youths Gen Zs in the country made in his local Somali dialect contravenes Section 13 (1) (a) of the NCIC Act.

“Pursuant to Section 27 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008, the Commission is investigating utterances made by the MP in Somali language, on the Gen Z demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. The utterances are likely to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination, and affect harmonious coexistence between groups of different political affiliations in Kenya, contrary to Section 13 (1) (a) of the NCI Act,” read the statement.

NCIC further stated that the MP appearance will aid with the investigation following the remarks he made over the weekend. The commission further urged the Lawmaker to appear without failure, as missing the summon, is an offence under the commission’s Act Section 63 (c).

“Hon. Farah Maalim is required to appear before the Commission to assist with the aforementioned ongoing investigations. Failure to appear in person at the said place, date, and time, is an offense as provided under Section 63 (c) as read with Section 63 (e) of the NCI Act,” concluded the statement.

Kenyans online had demanded the arrest of if Maalim through a hashtag #ArrestMaalim, since Tuesday evening, as his remarks were a threat to the protesting youths.

The summon by NCIC comes barely a day after Otieno Ogola and Company Advocates filed a petition to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to legal action including criminal charges against Maalim.

They added that the statement has send panic among the young protesters, who fear for their lives, while exercising their constitutional right to peaceful and unarmed demonstrations.

However, during an interview with KTN News on Tuesday, July 9, Maalim denied the claims, saying his sentiments were misinterpreted and misquoted. With the stations senor political journalist Ken Mijungu banning the Lawmaker from his show.

Maalim is among leaders who harshly criticised the youths taking part on the reject Finance Bill 2024 across the country.

Majority leader Kimani Ichungwah had said the protests are children of wealthy Kenyans arriving stylishly during protests, sentiments further echoed by David Ndii, Kenya Kwanza’s  economic advisor.