Nakuru, Kenya — A formal petition has been submitted to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) requesting urgent investigations into Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama over allegations of hate speech and ethnic discrimination.
The petition, filed by Nakuru resident Kennedy Langat on January 22, 2026, accuses the three-term legislator of making inflammatory remarks during a public bursary distribution event on January 16, 2026.
The petitioner alleges that Arama’s statements were intended to devalue and marginalise members of the Kalenjin community within his constituency.
Allegations of conditional representation
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Thursday, January 22, Langat said that Arama was recorded on video questioning constituents about their ethnic background and ancestral homes before issuing bursaries.
The MP is alleged to have said, “I wish Kalenjins wangekua wananipigia kura vile wananiletea mashida” (I wish Kalenjins voted for me the way they bring me their problems).
Langat argued that these statements imply that access to public resources—such as bursary funds—is a reward for political loyalty rather than a constitutional right.
The petition further claimed the MP portrayed the community as “foolish” for seeking assistance despite their perceived political leanings.
Threat to national cohesion
The petitioner emphasised that such remarks from a sitting MP risk stigmatising entire regions and legitimising the exclusion of certain groups from public services.
“These remarks undermine the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination,” Langat stated,
He noted that Kenya’s history shows how careless political rhetoric can trigger communal animosity.
Demands for action
The NCIC has been requested to:
• Investigate the video evidence for contraventions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
• Summon Hon. Arama to record a statement regarding the “inciteful” comments.
• Take legal action to deter other public officials from similar conduct.
By the time of publishing this news report, the NCIC had not issued a formal response to the petition.
Meanwhile, the commission recently warned that it is intensifying its monitoring of divisive speech by political leaders.
Discussion about this post