The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks that could incite ethnic tensions.
In a letter dated February 27, 2025, and seen by Kahawa Tungu, NCIC Chair Samuel Kobia expressed concerns about Gachagua’s statements made on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiogo Church in Igembe North, Meru County.
The commission noted that his comments regarding the possible removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome appeared intended to stir emotions among a section of the Ameru community.
In the letter, Gachagua is quotted saying: “Rais amepanga kufukuza Chief Justice Martha Koome. Ameanza na Rigathi Gachagua, amefukuzwa, Akarudi akafukuza Mithika Linturi. Sasa amepanga njama ya kumfukuza Martha Koome. Amepanga pale kortini, anahonga watu kufukuza koome.”
“Anataka kufukuza hawa watu amalize biashara za watu wa Mlima Kenya. Lakini mimi nakwambia rais, ukifukuza Martha Koome, usikanyage hapa Meru. Ulifukuza Rigathi Gachagua watu wa Mlima wakanyamaza, ukafikiria ni waoga. Tunakwambia rais, wewe panga njama ufukuze Martha Koome na wewe ukae Nairobi usikanyage hapa Meru tena ukifukuza Martha Koome.”
During his speech, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto was orchestrating the removal of Chief Justice Koome, following the ousting of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and himself from office. He warned that if Koome was removed, the president should not set foot in Meru County.
NCIC said such statements were misleading and could fuel ethnic divisions.
The commission further pointed out that barring the president from visiting Meru was a violation of his constitutional right to move freely and perform his official duties as the head of state.
“That your statement warning to the president not to set foot in Meru County if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office, is a direct violation of President’s constitutional right as the symbol of national unity to visit any part of the country to discharge his official duties as they duly and lawfully elected president of the republic of Kenya,” Kobia said.
Kobia urged Gachagua to be mindful of his words, cautioning him against statements that could be interpreted as incitement to violence, hate speech, or discrimination.
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