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Kibunjia issued a cessation notice to Midiwo, requiring him to keep the peace/FILE

Kenya

‘Watch your mouth, Midiwo’ – NCIC

Kibunjia issued a cessation notice to Midiwo, requiring him to keep the peace/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 10 – Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo has been warned to exercise caution in his utterances by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), after he alleged that there was a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

NCIC Chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said the weekend claim had led to mounting tension between the Luo and Kisii communities after Midiwo accused Cabinet Minister Sam Ongeri of being part of a cover-up in the plot.

Kibunjia issued a cessation notice to Midiwo, requiring him to keep the peace and watch the use of language that is likely to inflame ethnic tension.

“We have received credible reports regarding tensions mounting between the Luo and Kisii communities following the statements made by Midiwo,” he revealed.

“Leaders need to be alive to the fact that the statements they make can inflame passions, incite and cause tension and even violent conflicts between ethnic communities,” he emphasised.

According to section 25(1) and 25(2) (t) of the NCIC Act, the commission has the power to issue cessation notices to persons and institutions whose actions threaten peaceful co-existence.

Over the weekend, Midiwo alleged that at a meeting held 10 days ago involving two ministers, a senior security officer and a permanent secretary, the assassination of Prime Minister Raila Odinga was discussed as an option in clearing the presidential succession race.

Midiwo further claimed that mercenaries had been hired to carry out the plot. Kibunjia said that Midiwo should have reported the matter to the police and allowed them to investigate it to its logical conclusion, instead of expressing his concerns in public.

“The principals have a duty to continue holding the country together as they have done in the last four years,” he stressed. “This responsibility is greater now more than ever, considering that our politics are tribal, sectional, regional and that ethnic interest not ideologies drive Kenyan campaigns,” he noted.

If Midiwo fails to comply with the cessation notice, he could face legal charges in court as it is an offence under the NCIC Act and goes against the principle and provisions of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.

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Chapter 6 of the constitution requires persons in leadership to be persons of integrity.

The NCIC Act re-enforces this principle of respect within and among persons and communities and cautions against actions that are likely to interfere with peaceful co-existence.

Kibunjia urged Luos and Kisiis to showcase sober leadership, restraint and actions that will build on the relative peace and stability that the country has enjoyed over the last four years.

“To the Luos and Kisiis who co-exist peacefully in this country, let us put Kenya first – take care of your neighbour because Kenya belongs to all of us,” he urged. “Do not be drawn into a war that is not yours,” he added.

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