Looming Clash After Alice Wahome Trashes Summon

Kandara MP Alice Wahome addressing the presence at a conference on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Kandara MP Alice Wahome makes an address on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
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Kandara MP Alice Wahome has responded to summons by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over allegations of hate speech.

A letter addressed to the commission’s secretary Skitter W. Mbugu, on Wednesday, January 13, seemed to lay the groundwork for a back and forth clash. 

The document authored by Wahome set conditions upon which she would honour the summon due for Thursday, January 14.

A photo of Kandara MP Alice Wahome in her office.
Kandara MP Alice Wahome in her office.
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“To enable me to prepare a substantive response and reasonable defence, kindly let me know which part of my statement you find offensive taking into account the freedom of expression laid out in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. 

“Take notice that I am therefore unable to attend to the summons on 14th January 2021 as requested unless and until I receive the requested particulars,” she demanded. 

Wahome had been summoned over remarks she allegedly made in October 2020 after violence broke out during Deputy President William Ruto's visit to Kenol, Murang’a. 

The incident, which happened before Ruto's arrival at AIPCA church in Kenol, left two people dead and several others injured

Wahome reportedly went on a scathing attack against President Uhuru Kenyatta, and called for his resignation.

The commission stated that Wahome's comments were hateful in nature, and were likely to disrupt the peaceful existence between ethnic communities. 

Failure for the legislator to appear in person at their offices, the commission noted, would institute contempt proceedings against her.

After the violent confrontation, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai ordered for the immediate arrest of the politician alongside Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. 

The scuffle in Murang'a started when a group of rowdy youth blocked the highway at Kenol, and began engaging perceived 'political' rivals in running battles.

Several vehicles were damaged, as the main highway to Nyeri remained impassable for several hours.

Kenol residents fighting fires lit by rowdy youth on Sunday, October 4, 2020.
Kenol residents fighting fires lit by rowdy youth on Sunday, October 4, 2020.
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