NCIC Takes Action Over Senator Malala Remarks

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Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala (in blue) resists arrest at his home in Kitengela, Nairobi, on August 17, 2020.
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The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Monday, December 27, summoned Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala.

In a statement signed by the NCIC Chair, Samue Kobia, the commission stated that it summoned the Senator over remarks he made in Mbale, where he threatened to stop a section of leaders from accessing Bukhungu Stadium. 

While speaking to the media on December 26, Malala vowed to block Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, and Central Organization or Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, from accessing the Bukhungu Stadium on December 31.

Undated image of NCIC Samuel Kobia during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya.
Undated image of NCIC Samuel Kobia during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya.
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"We have today summoned Senator Cleophas Malala to answer for his regrettable statements that allegedly meant to lock out a  political candidate from holding a meeting at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega slated for December 31, 2021," the statement read in part.

Kobia stated that Malala will face the full force of the law, adding that his sentiments make him a prime candidate for inclusion in the wall of shame.

The commission differed with claims made by the Senator who stated that Kakamega County was his bedroom and that he holds the key to the stadium.

"Kenya has no bedrooms and living rooms for any politician and there is no space for locking out other politicians from any politicians from any political side from any part of the country," NCIC wrote.

NCIC stated that it would continue to be more vigilant in monitoring the nation to ensure that politicians do not lead the country into unwarranted situations in line with the Elections Bila Noma Road Map.

It also sent a message to the political class, noting that statements such as those issued by Malala may reduce their chances  of being cleared to contest for elective seats in the August 9, 2022 General Election.

This is in connection with statements he made in Mbale where he threatened to lock out Atwoli from holding a meeting at Bulkungu stadium.

"Such statements will mean that will work in concert with other agencies to ensure hate mongers are not cleared to run for office in 2022," the statement added.

Malala's remarks sparked reaction from the COTU boss threatening to curse him over the same. Atwoli noted that he was the one who gave him the Senatorial job and would easily take it away from him.

An image of Raila and Malala
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala (right) on Monday 7 September 2020 met at Capitol Hill Square in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
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