Gachagua, others fail to honor NCIC summons as agency seeks accountability
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of failing to honor its summons, escalating tensions between the agency and the ex-leader.
In a report submitted to Parliament, NCIC stated that Gachagua is among several high-profile individuals who have ignored its requests to appear.
The commission revealed that since January, it has issued six summonses, but only two individuals have complied.
Other figures who have failed to respond include Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and activist Jerotich Kipkorir, also known as Marakwet Daughter.
Activist Calvince Okoth, widely known as Gaucho, has also not appeared before the commission.
Gachagua was summoned over remarks he made on February 23 at a church service in Igembe North.
During the event, he warned President William Ruto against visiting Meru County if Chief Justice Martha Koome was removed from office.
The commission’s move is likely to fuel debate on the accountability of political leaders regarding their public statements. Parliament is now expected to determine the next course of action.
MP Wanyama is being investigated over remarks he made on January 19 during an interdenominational prayer meeting at Cheptais Boys’ High School in Bungoma County.
His statements allegedly suggested isolating the Mt. Kenya region from the rest of the country.
NCIC Chairperson Philip Okundi, alongside commissioners Abdulziz Farah, Danvas Makori, Sam Kona, and Dorcas Kedogo, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security to present their budget request.
The commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Harrison Kariuki, was also in attendance.
NCIC has requested an additional Sh600 million to monitor hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission noted that it received the same amount before the last elections and urged the committee, led by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, to approve a similar allocation.
The commission warned that inflammatory rhetoric, especially on social media, is already emerging, and action should be taken to prevent potential violence in 2027.
