Cohesion team told to return State cars

Former commissioners of the Cohesion team were Monday asked to return government property in their possession.

Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia, the former chairman of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission said he received a call from the office informing him of a letter instructing him and others to return government vehicles and bodyguards assigned to them.

“That letter should have been written early last month before our term came to an end,” he told the Nation as he noted that he had not seen the letter, but was informed about it.

The former NCIC boss said ever since he, and other commissioners, left office on September 9, they ceased being in possession of government property.

“Someone seems to have the wrong information and if I – the chairman – returned the car and do not use the bodyguards, I cannot think of a member who is still doing so,” he added.

The term of the commissioners expired last month after Parliament amended the National Cohesion and Integration Act to give them a 12-month extension.

The Commission, formed in 2009, is expected to lead and check on matters relating to national unity and is popular for its fight against hate speech.

The other commissioners were: Fatuma Mohamed, Alice Nderitu, Ahmed Yassin, Jane Kiano, Hassan Mohamed and Milly Lwanga.

Of the nine members, only seven are qualified for re-appointment for another three-year term.

The chairpersons of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the National Commission on Gender and Development and the Public Complaints Standing Committee are NCIC ex-officio members.