A petition has been formally submitted to the Office of the President, seeking the immediate removal of Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia as Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), citing allegations of abuse of office, gross financial mismanagement, and academic fraud.
The petition, filed by Elizabeth Ochieng, a Nairobi-based advocate and concerned citizen, was received by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior on August 11, 2025.
The complaint is grounded in provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, the Leadership and Integrity Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
“The continued stay in office by Dr. Kobia is not only unlawful but a betrayal of public trust. We are calling for a full investigation and immediate action to restore confidence in NCIC,” said Ochieng in her affidavit.
Among the most serious claims is that Dr. Kobia allegedly facilitated a fraudulent mortgage arrangement by issuing two conflicting appointment letters to a former CEO, Dr. Skitter Wangeci, including one purporting to offer a five-year term to help her secure a mortgage at a preferential 3% interest rate reserved for state officers.
“This amounts to fraudulent misrepresentation and an abuse of office,” Ochieng alleges, adding that the matter is currently under preliminary investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The petition further accuses Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia of authorizing unapproved withdrawals from NCIC accounts under the guise of “confidential funds” without the requisite board approval.
It alleges that his poor financial stewardship has plunged the Commission into a debt of over KSh 200 million, citing unauthorized bank overdrafts and numerous costly international trips despite the institution’s strained financial position.
Additionally, Dr. Kobia is said to have ignored critical audit queries and failed to provide proper accountability for public funds, in violation of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.
In a more explosive allegation, Ochieng claims Kobia holds fraudulent academic credentials, stating:“There is credible concern that Dr. Kobia may have used fake academic papers to attain and retain his position. This must be verified urgently.”
Citing Articles 73 and 201 of the Constitution, the petitioner argues that Kobia has failed to uphold integrity, transparency, and prudent use of public funds.
She is calling for his removal, the implementation of stricter oversight mechanisms within NCIC, and a public inquiry into all contracts and financial decisions made during his tenure.
“This Commission is too important to be run like a private club. It was created to heal a divided nation, not to enrich individuals at the top,” said Ochieng.
The petition is copied to the NCIC Vice Chairperson, Hon. Dorcas Kedogo, and is supported by annexed documents, including contracts, audit concerns, and bank transaction records.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
