NCIC Summons Tana River Leaders Over Ethnic Incitement Allegations

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned five political leaders from Tana River County over allegations of ethnic contempt that threatens the peaceful coexistence between communities in Kitui and Tana River counties.

The leaders, who include prominent members of both county and national assemblies, are required to appear before the NCIC on Tuesday, 8th October 2024. They are to assist in ongoing investigations into accusations of incitement that have sparked tensions between the neighboring counties.

Those summoned include Hon. Jibril Mahamud Farah, the MCA for Bungale Ward; Hon. Yakub Dubow Kuno, Member of Parliament for Bura Constituency; Hon. Rehema Hassan, former Women Representative of Tana River County; Hon. Said Buya Hiribae, Member of Parliament for Galole Constituency; and Hon. Amina Dika, the current Women Representative for Tana River County.

The charges against the leaders are serious, with accusations ranging from incitement to violent action and destruction of property. Hon. Mahamud Farah is alleged to have incited residents in Kitui’s Katumba area against the construction of a police station, sparking unrest in the community. Hon. Dubow Kuno and Hon. Rehema Hassan allegedly urged residents of Tana River to invade Kitui County, encouraging camel herders to graze illegally and inciting attacks on local residents.

Further allegations have been made against Hon. Amina Dika and Hon. Buya Hiribae, who are accused of inciting residents in Galole Constituency to destroy the Konakaliti Police Station in Kitui South.

These incidents, rooted in long-standing territorial and resource disputes between communities in Kitui and Tana River, are seen as a direct threat to the peace and stability of the region. NCIC has expressed concern that such actions could further inflame tensions, leading to violence.

The NCIC has reiterated its commitment to addressing hate speech and ethnic incitement, warning leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could undermine national unity.

The investigations continue as the Commission seeks to mediate and resolve the issues through dialogue, with the hope of de-escalating tensions between the two counties.