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| Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua |
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a notice of cessation to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following inflammatory remarks he made on February 23, 2025, during a church service at AIFCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Igembe North, Meru County.
In a statement released today, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia expressed deep concern over Gachagua’s comments, which the commission believes could incite animosity and division among members of the Ameru community. The commission specifically criticized Gachagua's claims that President William Ruto was allegedly plotting to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome from office based on her ethnic background.
Kobia described the remarks as "misleading" and emphasized that they could stoke negative ethnic sentiments that would disrupt the peaceful coexistence of Kenyans. The commission warned that such statements were dangerous and violated the spirit of national unity enshrined in the Constitution.
“The commission strongly condemns any statements that seek to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines. Gachagua’s comments on the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome and his claims about President Ruto’s intentions are not only misleading but also pose a serious risk to the cohesion of our society,” said Kobia.
NCIC also took issue with Gachagua’s further warning that President Ruto should avoid visiting Meru County if Koome were to be removed from office, stating that this infringed upon the President's constitutional right to access all parts of the country without hindrance.
“Such statements are a violation of the President’s constitutional rights. They incite division and may lead to harmful consequences. No individual or group should restrict the movement of the President within the boundaries of Kenya,” Kobia added.
The commission has warned that any further statements by Gachagua or any other individual that risk undermining national unity will be met with appropriate action, as part of its mandate to promote peaceful coexistence and integration.
The former Deputy President’s office has yet to issue an official response to the NCIC’s notice, but the remarks have already sparked significant public debate. Many political observers believe the statement from NCIC serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of Kenya’s ethnic relations and the need for responsible leadership.
NCIC has called on all political leaders and public figures to exercise caution when making public statements and to prioritize national unity over divisive rhetoric.
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