Kenyan singer Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir, popularly known as Marakwet Daughter, has made headlines after boldly refusing to honor a summons issued by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The commission had called her in for questioning over alleged inflammatory remarks made during a recent public event, but the artist has stood her ground, citing personal principles and questioning the motives behind the summons.
The NCIC, a government body tasked with promoting national unity and mitigating ethnic tensions, had requested Marakwet Daughter to appear before them to address claims that her comments during a performance in Eldoret could potentially incite division.
However, the singer, known for her outspoken nature and advocacy for social justice, has dismissed the summons, calling it an attempt to silence her voice.
In a statement shared on her social media platforms, Marakwet Daughter stated, “I will not be intimidated or coerced into appearing before the NCIC for simply speaking my truth. My music and my words are meant to inspire and educate, not to divide.
If the commission is truly interested in cohesion, they should address the real issues affecting Kenyans, not target artists who are trying to make a difference.”
The singer’s defiance has sparked a heated debate across the country, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their opinions. Supporters of Marakwet Daughter have praised her for standing up to what they perceive as government overreach, while others have criticized her for disregarding the authority of the NCIC.
Political analyst James Mwangi commented on the situation, saying, “This case raises important questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to maintain national unity. While artists have a right to express themselves, they must also be mindful of the potential impact of their words in a country as diverse as Kenya.”
The NCIC, on its part, has maintained that the summons was not meant to target the artist but to ensure that her remarks did not violate the law. NCIC Chairperson Dr. Jane Wanjiku reiterated the commission’s commitment to fostering harmony, stating, “Our role is to protect the fabric of our nation.
We are not against freedom of expression, but we must ensure that such expression does not undermine the peace and stability of our country.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, Marakwet Daughter remains steadfast in her decision, vowing to continue using her platform to address social issues. Her defiance has not only drawn attention to the challenges faced by artists in Kenya but has also reignited conversations about the role of free speech in a democratic society
By kenyans