NCIC Warns Gachagua Over Tribal Incitement

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over statements alleging that President William Ruto is orchestrating a scheme to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome from office.

In a notice dated Thursday, February 27, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia cautioned Gachagua against making remarks that could undermine peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s ethnic communities.

“Your allegation that there is a scheme hatched by the President to remove the Chief Justice from office because of her ethnicity is misleading and meant to promote negative ethnicity. Such statements are likely to incite feelings of animosity among Kenyans, thereby undermining peaceful coexistence,” the commission stated.

The NCIC also took issue with Gachagua’s remarks warning President Ruto against visiting Meru County if Chief Justice Koome is removed from office. The commission emphasized that such statements violate the constitutional rights of the President, who has the freedom to visit any part of the country to discharge his duties.

“Your statement warning the President not to set foot in Meru County if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office is a direct violation of the President’s constitutional right as the symbol of national unity. He has the right to visit any part of the country to fulfill his official duties as the duly and lawfully elected President of the Republic of Kenya,” the commission added.

The NCIC urged Gachagua to exercise restraint and carefully choose his words, warning against hate speech or advocacy of discrimination.

“Having reviewed the statements attributed to you, the Commission cautions you to exercise more restraint and choose your words more carefully. While freedom of speech is guaranteed by our Constitution, you are advised not to engage in utterances that amount to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred based on discrimination,” the commission stated.

Additionally, the NCIC called on Gachagua to refrain from making remarks that could disrupt peace among ethnic groups.

“In the interest of national cohesion and unity, we ask you to desist from such or similar utterances or conduct, the particulars of which are best within your knowledge, from the date of this notice. These statements are likely to interfere with the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of ethnic groups,” the commission concluded.

Gachagua’s remarks were made during a church service at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Igembe North, Meru County, on Sunday, February 23. During the event, he warned President Ruto against alleged plans to remove Chief Justice Koome from office.

“If you chase our Martha Koome, don’t set foot in Meru. You chased Rigathi Gachagua, and the Mt. Kenya people were silent. You thought they were cowards,” he said.

Gachagua further threatened to call for protests if the alleged plan is executed, accusing President Ruto of undermining the leadership of the Mt. Kenya region.

“This is too much now. How do you purge the leadership of an entire community that made you president? If Koome is dismissed and I call for protests, will you come out? We are not going to sit back as Ruto destroys the leadership of Mount Kenya,” he added.