NCIC to Kenyans: We will not rely on TikTok clips, only formal complaints

According to the sedition regulator, investigations will only be undertaken after a formal complaint has been made under legal guidelines.

NCIC chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae said that the institution operates under specific guidelines that dictate how it undertakes its mandate.

"Before we carry out any investigation, it is important for Kenyans to know there has to be complaints. You don't begin to act on TikTok clips," he said while addressing the press on Tuesday. 

"Until someone raises a formal complaint, it puts us in a very awkward situation because we don't know whether the clip that was sent was AI-generated. We have to be sure it is a legitimate complaint."

NCIC said that some complaints formally lodged have put ten prominent Kenyans under their radar.

They include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Health) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) over utterances the commission says could amount to hate speech or ethnic incitement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Others are Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, and Wanjiku Muhia, David Gikaria, Tipape Naini Musa and Dr Dennis Adison Ouma.

NCIC, added the commission said its Investigations and Compliance Department was conducting independent probes into remarks attributed to the individuals, warning that no person is immune from the law.

It appealed to political leaders to refrain from mobilising and deploying goons during political engagements and focus on upholding political modesty as the nation gears towards a heightened campaign period in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua, who is being probed over 'killing the snake and its eggs' remarks, has dared NCIC to come for him.

He has clarified that his sentiments were figurative on ousting President William Ruto and his allies, challenging the commission to formally write to him if it intended to pursue the matter. 

"Sisi tuseme hatuna hatespeech, sisi tunatumia figurative language kwa sababu sisi ni wanafunzi wa literature. Kumuuwa nyoka ni kufukuza William Ruto kwa kura, kuuwa mayai ni kufukuza wafuasi wake wote kwa kura. That is what we mean," he said during an event in Meru on Tuesday.