Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has asked the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to postpone his appearance before the commission, citing what he described as unavoidable State duties.
Kaluma was expected to appear before the NCIC over remarks that had raised concern and prompted the commission to seek his response.
However, the legislator has requested that the summons be rescheduled, saying his official responsibilities have made it difficult for him to honour the scheduled appearance.
In a letter to the commission, Kaluma explained that he was engaged in State duties that required his attention. He asked the NCIC to consider moving the date of his appearance to a later time when he would be available to respond to the issues raised.
The request comes as the NCIC continues to monitor political statements and public utterances that could potentially threaten national cohesion or promote division.
The commission has previously summoned politicians and other public figures over statements considered capable of heightening political tensions.
Kaluma is known for his outspoken political positions and has frequently been involved in debates surrounding governance, politics and national affairs.
His latest summons has therefore attracted attention, particularly amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The NCIC has a mandate to promote national cohesion and integration while addressing conduct that could contribute to ethnic hostility, discrimination or divisions within the country.
Its interventions often involve investigations, summonses, mediation and other measures aimed at preventing conflicts.
The commission's decision to summon Kaluma reflects its continued scrutiny of political speech, especially as politicians increasingly use public rallies, interviews and social media platforms to communicate with supporters.
Political statements can have significant consequences in Kenya, a country where elections have historically been accompanied by heightened political and ethnic tensions.
The NCIC has repeatedly urged leaders to exercise responsibility when addressing the public and avoid language that could inflame communities.
Kaluma's request to postpone his appearance does not amount to a refusal to appear before the commission. Instead, the legislator has cited his official commitments and asked for another opportunity to present his response.
The rescheduling will allow the commission to determine when Kaluma should appear and respond to the issues under investigation. It also gives the MP additional time to prepare his response to the concerns raised by the commission.
The development comes at a time when political temperatures are gradually rising as different parties and political formations begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leaders across the political divide have increasingly intensified their public engagements, with rallies, meetings and political statements becoming more frequent.
The NCIC has previously warned political leaders against making remarks that could undermine peaceful coexistence. It has also encouraged Kenyans to reject messages that encourage hatred, discrimination or hostility between communities.
For Kaluma, the next appearance before the commission could provide an opportunity to clarify the context of the remarks that prompted the summons.
His response may also determine whether the matter proceeds to further action or is resolved after he explains his position.
The commission is expected to communicate its decision on the request and, if approved, provide a new date for the MP to appear.
As Kenya moves closer to another highly contested election, the issue highlights the delicate balance between political expression and the responsibility of leaders to protect national cohesion.
The NCIC's continued monitoring of public statements demonstrates the importance attached to preventing inflammatory rhetoric before it escalates into wider conflict.
For now, attention remains on whether the commission will accept Kaluma's request and when the Homa Bay Town MP will eventually appear to answer the questions raised by the national cohesion watchdog.