The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over statements he made in Meru County, warning President William Ruto against visiting the region if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office.
In a letter addressed to Gachagua, NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia raised concerns that such remarks could incite ethnic divisions and undermine national unity. The commission emphasized the importance of leaders exercising caution in their speech to prevent escalating tensions among different communities in Kenya.
Gachagua’s remarks were made during a gathering at the AIPCA Antubetwe Church in Meru, where he alleged that there was a scheme by the president to remove Chief Justice Koome due to her ethnicity. The NCIC noted that such statements, if left unchecked, could fuel unnecessary political and ethnic strife.
“You made utterances that are likely to undermine harmonious and peaceful co-existence of different ethnic communities within the republic,” Dr. Kobia stated in the letter. He further pointed out that suggesting an ethnic motive behind judicial changes was misleading and could incite animosity.
The NCIC also emphasized that Gachagua’s warning against the president visiting Meru was unconstitutional, as it sought to infringe upon the head of state’s role as a symbol of national unity. “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,” Dr. Kobia stated.
This warning comes amid heightened political rhetoric in the country, with the commission reiterating its mandate to promote peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups. The NCIC has urged political leaders to refrain from statements that could escalate tensions, especially in an environment where unity is crucial for national development.
Gachagua, known for his vocal political stance, is yet to respond to the NCIC’s caution. However, the commission has made it clear that it will continue monitoring political discourse and take action against statements that threaten national cohesion.
The NCIC has called on all leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements to safeguard peace and unity in the country.
