- The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the public statements made by Meru leaders and clergy regarding the transfer of a County Commissioner.
- This dispute arose after the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced a nationwide reshuffle to be implemented on May 15, 2026.
- Together with the Meru clergy, the county's local leaders met in Tigania and unanimously rejected the new commissioner.
- The Commission stated that statements or utterances that lead to ethnic incitement constitute a violation of Section 62 of the NCIC Act, and the Commission has initiated a formal investigation
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the public statements made by Meru leaders and clergy regarding the transfer of a County Commissioner. In a press statement released on May 18, 2026, the Commission stated that the remarks were divisive and unlawful.
This dispute arose after the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced a nationwide reshuffle to be implemented on May 15, 2026.
Jacob Ouma Muganda, who had been appointed Meru County Commissioner in March 2023, was promoted to Eastern Regional Commissioner. John Kiprotich Cheruiyot, a Samburu County official, was appointed to replace him.
Such transfers of County and Regional Commissioners are standard practice in Kenya’s National Government Administration. They are mainly done to improve service delivery, strengthen security coordination, and prevent over-familiarity that could lead to corruption or loss of neutrality.
Local Opposition and Demands
Together with the Meru clergy, the county's local leaders met in Tigania and unanimously rejected the new commissioner.
They raised concerns about security and demanded public participation in such appointments. They argued that religious leaders, local stakeholders, and the public should be consulted before any postings are made.
NCIC’s Standpoint
According to NCIC Secretary/CEO Dr Daniel Mutegi Giti, “Every Kenyan has the right to live and work anywhere within the republic. The right is not subject to any political leader.”
The Commission stated that statements or utterances that lead to ethnic incitement constitute a violation of Section 62 of the NCIC Act, and the Commission has initiated a formal investigation
NCIC has appealed to all parties involved to work for national unity and cohesion, and to allow the new commissioner to carry out his duties without interference.
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