NCIC warn Gachagua over claims linking Ruto to alleged ouster plot against CJ Koome
NCIC has warned that Gachagua’s assertions could stir ethnic hatred and lead to propaganda for war and incitement.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a stoppage notice to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks about an alleged plot by President William Ruto to initiate an ouster bid against Chief Justice Martha Koome from office.
NCIC has warned that Gachagua’s assertions could stir ethnic hatred and lead to propaganda for war and incitement.
In his letter to Gachagua, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia stated that his remarks will promote negative ethnicity and will incite feelings undermining the peaceful co-existence among Kenyans.
“Having reviewed the statements made at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Meru, the commission cautions you to exercise more restraint and choose your words more carefully as such utterances could stir feelings of animosity between communities, which is not good for Kenya. With the interest of national cohesion and unity, we ask you to desist from similar utterances,” they said in the letter.
Kobia stated that the remarks by Gachagua, who asked President Ruto not to set foot in Meru if he removes CJ Martha Koome from office, violate the constitutional rights of the president, who is expected to move around the country and discharge his duties.
“Allegations that there is a scheme hatched by the president to remove Chief Justice from Office due to her ethnicity is a direct violation of the president’s constitutional right as a symbol of unity to visit any part of the country and discharge is official duties as the duly elected president,” NCIC Chairperson stated.
The national cohesion commission reiterated that even though Gachagua enjoys freedom of speech, it should not amount to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, or hate speech.
While attending church service at AIPCA two weeks ago, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto is behind the petitions filed at JSC seeking the removal of Martha Koome and the other six apex judges.
The former DP, who has become a critic of President Ruto’s administration, especially during church services, accused Ruto of trying to muffle political influence in Mount Kenya.
“We know he is planning to impeach Koome. This is too much now. How do you purge the leadership of an entire community that made you president?” he stated.
He urged the Meru community to protest against the removal of the CJ, which NCIC have cited as inciteful.
Gachagua’s recent pattern also sparked some criticism from various government leaders who have criticized the press for giving Gachagua airtime, claiming it could result in chaos before the 2027 elections.
