NCIC confirms investigation into Hassan Omar’s remarks
By Emmanuel Rono, May 27, 2026The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has confirmed that it is conducting a formal investigation into remarks made by UDA secretary general Hassan Omar, while simultaneously pushing for legislative changes to grant the commission the power to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Speaking in an interview with a local station on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, NCIC chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae clarified that the NCIC is currently in the “research, investigate, and recommend” phase regarding the Omar remarks.
He emphasised that the commission is committed to a process that is fair, firm, and based strictly on facts rather than emotional reactions.
“Mimi nimekuwa ofisi hii ni siku ya pili lakini tumefanya uchunguzi to find out exactly what is happening, ” Omae said.
The investigation process
According to Omae, the commission does not rely solely on viral “TikToks and short clips” sent in by the public.
Instead, their internal experts collaborate with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) to obtain and analyse full recordings of any hate speech to ensure a comprehensive report is compiled.
“Tumesikia matamshi fulani hao wananchi wametuma clips kazi yetu ni kuambia investigation department ambayo iko na experts ambao lazima waende kwa Communication Authority of Kenya wahakikishe ya kwamba wamepata the full recording wafanye analysis not just TikToks and hizo short clips, ” Omae said.
Moving beyond a “Toothless” mandate
The NCIC has frequently faced public criticism for being “toothless,” a reputation Dr. Omae attributes it to the outdated NCIC Act of 2008.
He stated that it was established in the wake of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, adding that the current Act does not grant the commission the authority to execute arrests or conduct its own prosecutions.
However, he noted that The NCIC Act 2025 is currently before Parliament and has reached its third reading.If passed, this new legislation will fundamentally transform the commission’s enforcement capabilities.
“The 2025 Act will give the NCIC enough power to arrest and prosecute,” Omae said. “This is what Kenyans want to see, that we do what is supposed to be done beyond just recommending action to other agencies”