A section of lawmakers allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of bias in executing its mandate. The leaders claim that the commission unfairly targeted Gachagua while ignoring other leaders making inflammatory remarks.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, over ten MPs expressed concern that despite several politicians issuing divisive statements, only Gachagua had been warned. They pointed to Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama’s remarks on January 19 during a presidential event in Bungoma, where he claimed that the Mt. Kenya community would be isolated by other Kenyans. They argued that NCIC had taken no action against Wanyama.
Led by Senators Dan Maanzo (Makueni) and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a) alongside MPs Amos Mwago (Starehe), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), and Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), the leaders accused President William Ruto of weaponizing NCIC for political gain.
Muriu stated that Gachagua was merely defending the rights of the Mt. Kenya region against exclusion from government, insisting that his sentiments were not inciteful. “His call against ethnic mobilization is something we fully support,” said Muriu, referencing past political tensions.
Maanzo added that Gachagua was highlighting the systematic exclusion of Mt. Kenya professionals from government, questioning why NCIC focused on his remarks while ignoring divisive statements by other leaders.
The MPs demanded impartiality from the commission, insisting that it should address all cases of ethnic discrimination without favoritism.