Government Issues Strong Warning to Gachagua Over Controversial Remarks
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what it termed as “reckless remarks” that could incite division among Kenyans.
In an official statement released on Monday, March 3, the commission announced that it had served Gachagua with a notice of cessation, cautioning him against making statements that violate the National Cohesion and Integration (NCI) Act No. 12 of 2008.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has issued a cessation notice to former Deputy President, E.G.H. Rigathi Gachagua, urging him to refrain from making remarks that contravene the NCI Act No. 12 of 2008,” read the statement.
Gachagua Accused of Violating Hate Speech Laws
According to the NCIC, Gachagua has repeatedly breached the provisions of the NCI Act, which strictly prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, race, or religion. Section 13 of the Act also criminalizes hate speech, making it an offence for any individual—especially political leaders—to use threatening, abusive, or derogatory language against any person, group, or community.
The commission specifically pointed to Gachagua’s recent comments regarding Chief Justice Martha Koome. The former DP had vowed to lead demonstrations if Koome were to be removed from office, remarks that the NCIC viewed as inciteful.
During a church service at AIPCA St. Joseph’s KK Garu Church in Antubetwe-Kiongo Ward, Igembe North, Meru County, on February 23, Gachagua harshly criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of attempting to silence Mount Kenya’s political influence.
“We know he is planning to impeach Koome,” Gachagua declared. “This has gone too far. How can you systematically remove the leadership of an entire community that played a key role in making you president?”
His statement, coupled with his call for the Meru community to protest against the Chief Justice’s alleged impeachment, raised concerns within the NCIC, which viewed the remarks as divisive.
NCIC: Gachagua’s Comments Could Incite Ethnic Division
The commission strongly condemned Gachagua’s claims, stating that his suggestion of an orchestrated plan to remove the Chief Justice due to her ethnic background was misleading and dangerous.
“Your remarks alleging that the President is plotting to remove the Chief Justice because of her ethnicity are not only false but also designed to promote ethnic hostility, which could incite tension among Kenyans and disrupt peaceful co-existence,” NCIC stated.
Additionally, the commission accused Gachagua of issuing a thinly veiled threat when he warned President Ruto against visiting the Meru region if Chief Justice Koome lost her position.
Gachagua’s Political Ambitions and Growing Criticism
In the same speech, Gachagua hinted at his future political ambitions, declaring that he was preparing to launch a new political movement in May 2025 that would challenge the government’s leadership in the next elections. He warned leaders who, in his view, had betrayed their people, stating that they would be voted out in the 2027 polls.
The NCIC’s warning comes at a time when Gachagua has been intensifying his criticism of the government, particularly during church services. His growing opposition has also drawn the attention of leaders from different political factions.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was among those who voiced concerns, blaming the media for continuously giving Gachagua a platform to express his views. He cautioned that allowing such rhetoric to spread freely could lead to political unrest before the 2027 elections.
With tensions rising, the NCIC has urged Gachagua to exercise caution in his public statements, warning that failure to comply with the cessation notice could result in legal consequences.
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