The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has pardoned Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who was facing incitement charges.
Two NCIC commissioners, Sam Kona and Danvas Makori, said the senator had demonstrated a willingness to engage in peace and reconciliation efforts in the county, following his earlier remarks about the Mau forest eviction that landed him in trouble with law enforcement.
Speaking in Narok South the commissions’ advocacy for peaceful elections, the commissioners said they were dropping the case against the senator because he had apologized for his statements and continued to preach peace in Narok South.
“Amesema tumsamehe; tumsamehe ama tusimsamehe” Makori posed to the residents. “Hio kesi yake kuanzia leo imeisha. The most important thing is not taking politicians to court, it is reconciliation. NCIC is a peaceful organisation which does not delight in arresting people and taking them to court,” he added.
At the same meeting, the lawmaker had asked the NCIC to dismiss his case, claiming that his remarks were intended to protect the forest from encroachment.
“Enda mtoe hio kesi kortini kwa sababu ni bure tu, mnaniweka ndani sababu ya maneno ya Mau… Na si hapa miti ziko mingi, kunanyesha kila siku sasa,” Olekina said.
The commission had summoned the legislator due to his sentiments on Mau Forest encroachment, which the NCIC deemed inciteful to community violence.
Olekina had repeatedly visited the troubled Mau forest, demanding that those encroaching on forest land be evicted.
“It has come to the attention of the commission that Mr Ledama ole Kina uttered words that are likely to affect harmonious and peaceful coexistence among communities living around the Mau complex,” read a past statement by NCIC.
