Kikuyu Benga star John Muigai wa Njoroge was on Monday, June 22, summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over his most recent song Ino Migunda.
The song, released on June 15, quickly gained traction and racked up over 600,000 views on YouTube.
In Njoroge's typical style, it features hard-hitting lyrics addressing historical issues including land matters in Kenya, and compelling visuals capturing various ethnic clashes over the decades triggered by land issues.
Njoroge was summoned to appear before the commission on Thursday, June 26, at 10.00 a.m. as part of investigations into the song.
The commission identified several lyrics from the song which they claimed could lead to disharmony among different communities in the country.
"(The song's) words were calculated to be threatening and insulting and likely to affect harmonious co-existence between Kenyan communities contrary to Section 13 (1) (a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act," the statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke reads in part.
Njoroge's song had especially proved popular with critics of the government who praised him for highlighting issues swept under the rug by mainstream organisations.
In the song, he also spoke on the May demolitions of homes by in Kariobangi North, Nairobi amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
He questioned the inhumanity of those who executed the demolitions, warning that the people would one day rise up against them.
The artist is no stranger to controversy, and the subject matter of many of his songs focuses on various political and historical issues.
The NCIC informed him to present himself for the interrogation in person, cautioning him of legal action if he failed to do so.
"Take notice that pursuant to Section 29 of the NCIC Act, summons issued by the commission must be obeyed as if such summons were issued by the High Court.
"Take further notice that unless you appear in person at the afore-mentioned place, date and time, the Commission shall institute Contempt proceedings against you with the attendant consequences," the summon reads in part.
