The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a formal warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his remarks threatening President William Ruto against visiting Meru County.
NCIC Condemns Incitement
In a notice dated February 3, 2025, NCIC strongly cautioned Gachagua against making inflammatory statements that could incite ethnic tensions. The commission specifically took issue with his claims that President Ruto was plotting to remove Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome due to her ethnicity.
“Our concern as a Commission is that such utterances could stir feelings of animosity between communities, which is not good for Kenya,” the NCIC statement read.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
The commission further emphasized that every Kenyan, including the president, has the right to access all parts of the country without restrictions. Denying Ruto entry into Meru would be a violation of his constitutional rights.
NCIC stated that Gachagua’s accusations against the president were misleading and could promote negative ethnicity, fueling unnecessary division among Kenyans.
Call for Restraint
The commission urged the former deputy president to exercise caution in his public remarks and avoid statements that could amount to incitement, hate speech, or propaganda.
“Whereas 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, or hate speech,” NCIC warned.
Gachagua’s Controversial Remarks
Gachagua made the controversial statements on February 23, 2025, during a church service at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Igembe North, Meru County.
He alleged that President Ruto was orchestrating the removal of CJ Martha Koome, following what he termed as a purge against leaders from Mt. Kenya region, including himself and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.
“The president has planned to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome. He started with me, then Mithika Linturi. He has issued bribes just to see her out of office,” Gachagua claimed.
His remarks sparked criticism, with leaders calling for political tolerance and respect for institutions.
Political Fallout
Gachagua’s latest outburst further deepens the rift between him and President Ruto, amid speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NCIC has warned that further inflammatory statements from Gachagua could lead to legal consequences.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Kenyans will be watching closely to see how this standoff unfolds.
