The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa over remarks he allegedly made in Sirisia, Bungoma County, on September 19, 2026.
In a letter dated Tuesday, September 22, the commission raised concerns over comments Barasa made about leaders from the former Western Province who hold senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, ambassadors and parastatal chairpersons.
Barasa reportedly argued that leaders from the region should use their appointments to advance the interests of their communities.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa. Photo: Courtesy.
He went on to give an example involving recruitment interviews, suggesting that a panelist from Western Kenya could favour a candidate from the region while deliberately disadvantaging an applicant from another part of the country.
According to the remarks cited by NCIC, Barasa described a scenario in which a candidate from Nyeri, identified as Kamau, could be rejected despite appearing well dressed and speaking fluent English.
He suggested that a panelist could instead cite issues such as demeanour as justification for denying the candidate the position.
He contrasted this with a candidate from Mount Elgon or another part of Western Kenya, using names such as Kiprotich, Wanyonyi, Nekesa or Anami, whom he alleged could receive favourable treatment despite shortcomings in appearance or communication skills.
Barasa linked such practices to what he described as the region’s continued challenges in development.
NCIC noted that it was investigating the remarks and had consequently summoned the MP to appear before the commission for a cohesion inquiry.
The commission directed Barasa to appear at its offices on the 17th Floor of Britam Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on September 29, 2026, at 10:00 am.
NCIC said the inquiry would allow Barasa to respond to the allegations, present evidence and make representations before the commission reaches a determination.
The commission further warned that failure to attend the inquiry could result in the issuance of arrest warrants and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.
