Lawmakers allied to Rigathi Gachagua have come out to criticize the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for reprimanding the former Deputy President.
Led by Gatanga Member of Parliament Edward Muriu, the MPs faulted the NCIC for what they termed as selective application of their mandate as they challenged the commission to remain impartial.
“We demand that the NCIC applies its mandate uniformly, ensuring that all leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, are held accountable for statements that threaten national cohesion,” Muriu said in his statement.
Tetu MP also echoed Muriu's sentiments, accusing the NCIC of overlooking some lawmakers allied to the Kenya Kwanza government who also have a knack for making explosive statements in public.
"Institutions like the NCIC play a vital role in safeguarding unity. It is imperative that these institutions operate without bias, upholding the principle of justice and fairness," Wendeto asserted during a media briefing on Tuesday, March 4.
The MPs' latest demand comes a day after the commission issued Gachagua a notice of cessation, warning the former DP against making utterances that contravene the NCI Act No. 12 of 2008.
NCIC, in their statement, suggested Gachagua was in constant violation of the act, which outlaws discrimination on ethnic, racial, and religious grounds.
"Your allegation that there is a scheme hatched by the President to remove the Chief Justice from office because of her ethnicity is misleading and meant to promote negative ethnicity and likely to incite feelings of animosity among Kenyans, thus undermining peaceful coexistence," the NCIC observed.
The commission took issue with Gachagua's sentiments on February 23 during a church service in Antubetwe-Kiongo Ward, Igembe North, in Meru County.
Gachagua was thoroughly critical of President William Ruto, whom he accused of trying to muffle political influence in Mount Kenya.
In a rejoinder to NCIC, Gachagua's allies insist he was merely advocating for the rights of his people and should not be unfairly singled out for criticism.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan political landscape continues to experience significant shifts, with Gachagua establishing close ties with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga's former running mate Martha Karua.
The trio, alongside DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, convened once again on Tuesday in a meeting that Gachagua said was aimed at engaging further on how to 'liberate the country.'
