Nairobi, January 8- The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it had summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged tribal and divisive remarks.
In a clarification issued on January 8, the Commission said that a purported press statement suggesting Gachagua was required to appear before its offices in Nairobi was fake. NCIC emphasised that it had not issued any summons to the Democracy for Citizens Party leader in relation to remarks allegedly in breach of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The misleading online document had claimed that Gachagua’s comments, which critics say targeted identifiable communities and undermined national unity, warranted formal action under Kenya’s cohesion laws. NCIC said it was not associated with that statement and urged the public to disregard it.
The clarification comes in the wake of heightened debate over controversial remarks Gachagua made during a church service in Kiambu County, where he linked a major Eastleigh mall and its owners to alleged proceeds from a fraud case in Minnesota, United States. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from some leaders who argue they unfairly stigmatise lawful businesses and risk inflaming ethnic tensions.
Separately, an Eldas lawmaker called on the Commission to investigate Gachagua’s statements and consider appropriate legal action for hate speech and ethnic incitement. The lawmaker also urged Gachagua to retract his remarks and issue a public apology.
NCIC’s statement seeks to set the record straight amid these competing claims, highlighting the need for accurate public information and reminding citizens to verify official communications before sharing them. The Commission continues to monitor issues of cohesion and remains open to complaints lodged through official channels as it fulfils its mandate to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
