Wambui Nyutu slams NCIC over removal, calls decision ‘politically instigated’

In a statement released on Wednesday, Nyutu said she learned of her dismissal through the media following NCIC’s press release on July 22, 2025.

“It is with utter shock and dismay that I have learnt through the media of the Commission’s repressive, and unfortunate ‘unanimous’ decision to relieve me of my duties as its Vice Chairperson,” Nyutu said.

She accused the commission of failing to notify her of any proceedings or allegations against her, calling the move a blatant violation of due process and her constitutional rights.

“The Commission’s failure to notify me of any such proceedings and/or allegations levelled against me, and ultimately its decision to relieve me of my duties as its Vice Chairperson, are uncivil, blatant disregard of the rule of law, administrative and constitutional procedures, infringement, and violation of my Constitutional Rights,” she stated.

Nyutu further described the decision as unjust and politically motivated.

“We live in a democratic society with a progressive constitution that seeks to protect the rights of all its citizens, and more so, NCIC is a Commission that ought to be a unifying factor within our Nation,” she added.

Despite her removal, Nyutu vowed to remain resolute.

“Be that as it may; the storms have raged, the nights grown long, yet I stand, a soul forged in fire, unshaken by the weight of injustice, steady as the law I believe in. I shall overcome,” she declared.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, however, defended its decision to remove Nyutu, citing her continued involvement in partisan political activities. According to NCIC, her conduct breached both her oath of office and the law.

In a statement issued Tuesday by NCIC Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia following a Special Commission Meeting held on July 22, 2025, the commission stated:

“The Commission unanimously resolved to relieve Ms. Nyutu of her role as Vice Chairperson of the Commission with immediate effect.”

Rev. Kobia said Nyutu’s conduct had become “untenable” and incompatible with the impartiality required of all commissioners. The commission has also triggered a formal process to remove her altogether from her role as commissioner under Section 23 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act (CAP 7N) and other constitutional mechanisms.

“The Commission will formally notify the relevant appointing authority in this regard,” Kobia noted.

In a swift transition, NCIC unanimously elected Dr. Dorcas Kedogo as the new Vice Chairperson, effective immediately.

Nyutu has been under scrutiny since early this year over a series of political engagements, which the commission said violated her pledge to remain non-partisan.

NCIC said it had convened three Special Meetings—on January 3, January 23, and February 6—to address her conduct following public remarks and appearances deemed politically partisan. While Nyutu initially denied the allegations, she later apologized and promised to avoid political activity—a promise the commission claims she failed to uphold.

“At its meeting on 22nd July, 2025, the Commission noted with deep concern that Ms. Wambui Nyutu has since been involved in partisan political activities, including participation in meetings affiliated with a particular political party,” Rev. Kobia said.

“These actions constitute continued engagement in partisan politics, in contravention of her commitment to the Commission and in breach of the expectations of impartiality required of all Commissioners,” he added.

The NCIC has also sought to distance itself from any political pronouncements made by Nyutu, stressing that such statements were personal and do not reflect the commission’s official stance.