NCIC Summons Busia Governor Paul Otuoma Over June Rally Remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has officially summoned Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to appear before it over statements he made at a public rally in Busia County in late June.

In a summons dated August 18, 2026, the commission directed Governor Otuoma to present himself at NCIC offices in Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Friday, August 21, at 10 a.m. The summons states that the governor's appearance is necessary to assist with investigations related to remarks he made on or about June 27 at Bulanda Junction.

According to NCIC, the governor was quoted speaking in the local dialect, accusing certain individuals of smuggling and causing disturbances affecting local residents. The commission is investigating the utterances under sections 27, 29, and 63C, read together with section 63E of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

NCIC's mandate includes promoting national unity and preventing hate speech, ethnic hostility, and religious intolerance. The commission warned that failure to appear could result in the issuance of an arrest warrant and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.

Context of the Investigation

• The summons follows increased NCIC scrutiny of political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
• It comes shortly after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was summoned for allegedly inflammatory remarks made during a political event in Homa Bay County.
• Kaluma has contested the accuracy of the transcribed remarks and requested a postponement of his hearing.

The commission has expressed concern over rising political intolerance and violence linked to recent political gatherings, emphasizing the need for responsible exercise of political rights without incitement.

Governor Otuoma is expected to cooperate with the ongoing investigation when he appears before NCIC on August 21.