By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, August 18, 2026 - The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over remarks he allegedly made ahead of Sunday's Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, as investigations continue into the violence that left people dead and dozens injured.
Kaluma has been directed to appear before the commission at its offices in Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Wednesday, August 19, at 10am, to assist with investigations into utterances he allegedly made on August 15.
The summons comes two days after the Linda Mwananchi political tour of Homa Bay was disrupted by violence, with roads reportedly barricaded and groups of youths attacking people and vehicles associated with the opposition campaign.
Police have since arrested 37 suspected gang members in connection with the violence as investigations into the incident continue.
The NCIC investigation centres on remarks attributed to Kaluma during a gathering in Homa Bay on Saturday, a day before the Linda Mwananchi rally.
In a video circulating online, the MP is heard warning people associated with the political opposition and telling supporters to deal with those promoting the “one-term” message.
He also appeared to direct supporters towards hotels where opposition politicians and their supporters were staying, warning hotel owners against hosting them.
The remarks have attracted growing criticism, with political leaders and activists accusing Kaluma of making statements that could incite violence.
Kaluma's remarks have not, however, been established as hate speech by a court. The NCIC summons is part of an investigation into whether the utterances violated provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The commission cited Sections 27, 29 and 63C, read together with Section 63E, in summoning the legislator.
The timing of the investigation has heightened attention on the events that unfolded during the Linda Mwananchi tour.
The opposition-led campaign was met by road blockades and groups of youths, forcing some leaders to alter their routes as they attempted to reach their intended venues.
The violence left at least one person dead and dozens injured, according to reports from the scene, while property was also damaged.
The incidents have triggered renewed concerns about political intolerance as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
More from Kenya
NCIC chair Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae said Monday that the Homa Bay events demonstrated the growing concern over hate speech, incitement and ethnic polarisation.
He stressed that Kenyans have a constitutional right to travel across the country and present their political ideas peacefully.
The commission has warned that Kaluma could face further action if he ignores the summons.
According to the notice, failure to appear could lead to a warrant of arrest and possible criminal or contempt proceedings.
The summons therefore places the legislator at the centre of a formal inquiry as authorities seek to establish whether his statements contributed to or amounted to incitement surrounding the Homa Bay events.
The investigation will also come under scrutiny because activists and opposition politicians have already called for Kaluma's arrest and prosecution, arguing that his remarks created a climate in which violence against political opponents could occur.
The Homa Bay incident comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NCIC has consequently warned against rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions or encourage political violence.
The commission's action against Kaluma could become an important early test of how institutions respond to inflammatory political speech as politicians increasingly mobilise supporters ahead of the next election.
For now, Kaluma has been given until Wednesday morning to appear before NCIC and respond to the allegations.
The commission's investigation will determine whether the remarks breached the law and whether further action should be taken against the Homa Bay legislator.
The summons comes as authorities investigate not only what was said before the Homa Bay rally, but whether inflammatory political rhetoric contributed to the violence that followed.