The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a cessation notice to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following a series of his considered tribal and inciting remarks that are likely to undermine the peaceful co-existence of different ethnic communities in Kenya.
The commission cited Gachagua’s recent sensational remarks, where he accused President William Ruto of targeting Mt Kenya region leaders, for instance, by plotting to kick out Chief Justice Martha Koome.
He then insensitively warned President Ruto against touring Meru should Koome be ousted.
"Rais amepanga kufukuza Chief Justice Martha Koome. Amepanga pale kortini, anahonga watu kufukuza Koome. Anataka akifukuza hawa watu amalize biashara zote za watu wa Mlima Kenya. Lakini mimi nakwambia rais, ukifukuza Martha Koome, usikanyage hapa Meru," said Gachagua.NCIC said Gachagua’s claim that President Ruto is planning to remove Koome from office because of her ethnicity is misleading and meant to promote negative ethnicity.
"Your statement warning to President Ruto not to set foot in Meru if CJ Martha Koome is removed from office is a direct violation of the president's constitutional right as the symbol of national unity to visit any part of the country to discharge his official duties as the lawfully elected president of Kenya," NCIC told Gachagua.Consequently, the commission cautioned Gachagua to exercise more restraint and choose his words more carefully.
"Whereas the freedom of speech is guaranteed by our constitution, you are advised not to engage in utterances that amount to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech or advocacy of hatred based on discrimination," the commission added.
