NCIC warns Gachagua against statements fueling ethnic animosity

Gachagua had warned President William Ruto against visiting Meru if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office. 

The NCIC stated that these remarks were likely to incite animosity between different communities in Kenya.

NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia has officially written to Gachagua regarding the event that took place at the AIPCA Antubetwe Church. In the letter, Dr. Kobia highlighted the potential impact of Gachagua’s words on national unity and peaceful coexistence.

“You made utterances that are likely to undermine harmonious and peaceful co-existence of different ethnic communities within the republic,” Dr. Kobia’s statement read in part.

He further stated that Gachagua’s allegation of a scheme by the president to remove Chief Justice Koome due to her ethnicity was misleading and could promote negative ethnicity and incite feelings of animosity.

“Your statement warning the president not to set foot in Meru County if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office is a direct violation of the president’s constitutional right as a symbol of national unity,” Dr. Kobia emphasized.

The commission has cautioned Gachagua to exercise more restraint and choose his words more carefully to avoid inflaming ethnic tensions.