Petition filed against NCIC Chairperson Kobia citing abuse of office, academic fraud

A petition has been filed seeking the removal of National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia from office over allegations of abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and academic fraud.

The petition, presented to President William Ruto through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen by Elizabeth Ochieng’, urges the Head of State to institute investigations into the conduct of Rev. Kobia and act on the findings.

Ochieng’ claims that Rev. Kobia abused his office by issuing two conflicting appointment letters to the former NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Skitter Wangeci — one for three years and another for five years.

According to her, the five-year contract was intended to help Dr. Wangeci secure a mortgage at a 3% interest rate reserved for state officers, despite her not being eligible.

“This constitutes abuse of office and potentially fraudulent misrepresentation, which is a direct violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003. We note that this specific matter is currently pending investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” the petition reads in part.

She further accuses the NCIC chairperson of making unauthorised withdrawals from the Commission’s accounts under the pretext of “confidential funds” without board approval.

Ochieng’ also alleges that Rev. Kobia took overdrafts contrary to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, causing the Commission to pay heavy interest charges in violation of public borrowing regulations.

The petition also faults him for undertaking numerous costly foreign trips at a time when the institution was grappling with financial difficulties. In addition, Ochieng’ says Rev. Kobia failed to respond adequately to issues flagged in audit reports, showing disregard for financial accountability.

On academic grounds, she alleges that the NCIC chairperson is in possession of fake academic papers, raising questions about his qualification to hold office.

Ochieng’ is now appealing to President Ruto to order a full investigation into the allegations and recommend the immediate removal of Rev. Kobia from office.

She also wants the government to strengthen oversight within NCIC to protect public funds and restore public confidence in the institution.