DCP leaders dismiss NCIC summons against Gachagua, challenge commission to visit Wamunyoro

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders have dismissed the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summons against party leader Rigathi Gachagua over his alleged inflammatory remarks, accusing the commission of applying double standards in dealing with political leaders.

The leaders challenged the NCIC to instead visit Gachagua's Wamunyoro residence, where they said he would be available to address the allegations.

“Rigathi Gachagua hawezi kuja kwa NCIC. NCIC, nyinyi ndiyo tunaalika mkuje Wamunyoro Tuesday muone Gachagua,” Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa stated.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina also accused the commission of applying double standards in dealing with political leaders.

“Wewe ukiona watu wa opposition unapeana ilani washikwe within 24 hours. Wanga na Kaluma wakipanga violence Homa Bay unanyamaza," she noted.  

The remarks came as Gachagua led his supporters through Murang’a town, the political backyard of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who recently took over the leadership of the People's Party of Kenya.

Gachagua kept off any direct criticism of Nyoro, instead urging residents to remain loyal to his party, which he maintains is the political vehicle of the Mt Kenya region.

“Hapa Mlima Kenya chama ni gani? Ni DCP? Harambee DCP, harambee DCP,” Gachagua said.

The DCP leader, who also opened the party's offices in Murang’a town, cautioned his supporters against being swayed by the emergence of new political parties in the region.

“Tuendelee na watu wangu. Please, don’t be distracted. Be focused. Tukianza safari yetu ya DCP tuko pamoja. Mtu ukianza safari, don’t be distracted. Ukisema mimi natoka hapa naenda Mombasa, you focus ahead na pia unaangalia mgongo usidungwe kisu,” Gachagua stated.

His allies accused President William Ruto of allegedly working to divide the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.

DCP Secretary General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused the government of attempting to weaken the region's political influence.

“Unapanga kufanya ile mambo ya Moi ya 1992 ya kutaka kusimamisha watu urais hapa kwa Mlima. Nataka nikuambie, sahau hiyo maneno. Wanataka kupunguza number yetu ya wabunge,” Methu claimed. 

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu also accused the President of using various strategies to divide the region.

“Kasongo umedhulumu jamii hii miaka mingi. Ukaanza na kutoa Gachagua, ukaleta goons kutuharibia biashara. Isitoshe, akajaribu kutugawa East na West. Sasa analeta chama mingi kutugawanya. Chama yetu ni moja na inaitwa DCP,” he added. 

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu echoed the call for political unity, saying the region should rally behind DCP.

“We are one mountain, under one leader and one party, DCP,” the Senator stated. 

NCIC this week summoned Gachagua to appear before it over a series of utterances the commission says are under investigation for possible violations relating to hate speech and incitement.

In summons dated August 18, 2026, the NCIC directed Gachagua to appear before the commission at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm to assist with ongoing investigations.

The commission said the investigations relate to “various utterances” allegedly made by Gachagua on different dates and at public forums across the country.