Three MPs, an MCA, and a former woman representative have been summoned by the NCIC over allegations of incitement and the destruction of a police station.
The investigations were prompted by the recent attack on the Kona Kaliti police station in Kitui South. The NCIC is also looking into claims that residents of Tana River were incited to invade Kitui to graze camels and block the construction of the Katumba police station.
The five individuals have been asked to appear at the NCIC office in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on October 8 at 10 AM to assist with the investigation into these incitement allegations. The summons letters are dated September 30.
Those summoned include MPs Yakub Kuno (Bura), Said Hiribae (Galole), and Amina Dika (Tana River Woman Representative), along with Bangale MCA Jibril Farah and former Tana River Woman Representative Rehema Hassan.
Last week, individuals believed to be from Tana River raided the Kona Kaliti police station, breaking windows, tearing off the roof, and stealing iron sheets, solar panels, and batteries. Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto reported that the attackers forced police officers out of the station, which is still under construction.
Thousands of Tana River residents have reportedly moved to Kitui with their livestock, encroaching on various parts of the county, including the protected South Kitui National Game Reserve. Efforts to build the Katumba police station have been repeatedly disrupted by individuals from Tana River using stones and crude weapons.
NCIC Acting Chairman Harrison Kariuki warned the summoned leaders not to ignore the request. The NCIC stated that some leaders had allegedly incited residents of Galole to vandalize the Kona Kaliti police station, fostering feelings of contempt, hatred, and hostility among communities along the Kitui-Tana River border.
Others are accused of inciting Tana River residents to invade Kitui County to graze camels and attack local residents. One leader has been specifically cited for inciting opposition to the construction of a police station in Katumba.
Earlier this week, the NCIC pledged to take a strong stance against politicians promoting lawlessness and conflict along the Kitui-Tana River border. Commissioner Danvas Makori urged leaders in both counties to maintain peace and called on residents to remain calm.
Rutto emphasized that Kenya is not a lawless state and that no leader is above the law, asserting that those inciting violence will ultimately face consequences. He appealed to the NCIC to act in accordance with the law, ensuring that all who are culpable are held accountable. “Perpetual peace, security, law, and order are paramount. Everyone must respect the law,” he stated.
