Wednesday July 17, 2024
Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim appears before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to record a statement on July 16, 2024. Image: NCIC/X
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Embattled Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim presented himself before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Tuesday following a summons issued on July 10. The summons came in response to a viral video in which Maalim allegedly made inflammatory statements against Gen Z protestors involved in recent anti-tax demonstrations.
The NCIC indicated that Maalim's remarks could incite contempt, hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination, thereby affecting harmonious coexistence between different political groups in Kenya. In the video, the MP was purportedly heard suggesting the "slaughter" of 5,000 Gen Z protesters for attempting to overthrow the government.
Maalim strongly denied these allegations, asserting that his statements were taken out of context. "I never called for the death of any Kenyans. I didn't and I will never call for it," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to peaceful dialogue and national unity. He further claimed that the video had been doctored, a tactic he attributed to political adversaries aiming to tarnish his reputation.
The controversy has sparked significant public and political backlash. Over the weekend, Maalim was expelled from the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa. The hotel's Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki, confirmed the expulsion, stating, "We do not condone inflammatory and threatening statements against Kenyans and will not associate our brand with such a person."
Additionally, Maalim's party, the Wiper Democratic Movement, has moved to expel him from the party and strip him of all parliamentary committee positions. Wiper Party Secretary General Shakila Abdalla stated, "The NEC recommends expulsion from the Party to the National Delegates Convention (NDC) – the supreme organ of the party. NEC's decision is that Farah Maalim be de-whipped from all Committees in Parliament, including the Speaker's Panel."
Despite these actions, the veteran politician remains defiant, asserting his popularity and track record. "I am a very honest person, who for over 30 years has been in the politics of this country. My position has always been guided by my conscience and what I believe is in the best interests of Kenya," he remarked.
Garissa's elders and residents have come to Maalim's defence. Led by Dubat Amey, they argue that the backlash is premature and amounts to mob justice. "Why can't we give the police time to verify the authenticity of the alleged video?" Amey questioned, urging Wiper to reconsider its decision.
The NCIC continues to investigate the matter, with Maalim's future in Kenyan politics hanging in the balance. The Commission reiterated that if proven accurate, the remarks could seriously disrupt Kenya's political harmony.