NCIC warns Gachagua impeachment risks dividing country

NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia calls for fair Senate impeachment trial against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [File, Standard]

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned that the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, could divide the country.

NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia urged the Senate to handle the impeachment trial in a fair and lawful manner in line with the Constitution.

"Our major concern is that the way this process is shaping up could easily lead to conflict between the people of the Mount Kenya area and those from other parts of the country,” said Kobia.

He noted that among the 11 accusations against the Deputy President, the sixth pertains specifically to a violation of the NCIC Act, a matter the commission is closely monitoring.
The NCIC chairman said there is need to carefully assess the DP's remarks and actions to determine the validity of the accusations.

"We will have to see and listen to all that the Deputy President has said so that we can discern whether he did what is being said or what is being accused of is correct, because this is something that the country is waiting for us to hear what we say," he said.

Gachagua has been accused of allegedly violating the NCIC Act by using threatening, abusive, or insulting words, and persistently issuing inflammatory and inciteful public utterances.

The NCIC boss urged Kenyans to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, but allow relevant institutions to deal with the issue.

Further, Kobia said that in the event the matter is taken to court, then Kenyans should have confidence in the legal system.

Kobia was speaking in Nairobi during an engagement with the media following the development and the launch of NCIC Transgenerational Conversations, the Quest for Political Decency and Accountability in Kenya 2024 framework.

The framework highlights that Kenya’s journey to independence and subsequent liberation has been marked by several significant stages.

The stages have each been characterised by the efforts of different generations who fought against various forms of oppression.

“From early resistance against colonial rule to the struggle for democratic governance and the continued efforts by younger generations, Kenya’s history is a demonstration that the citizenry have always stood by what they believe in,” it reads.

Kobia, said that the framework, keen on dialogue between generations, advocates for meaningful participation of all the citizens for effective nation building.

He explained that by focusing on trust-building, inclusivity, and effective governance, they aim to foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Kobia said that NCIC’s goal is to create a platform where both the young and old alike can come together to discuss, learn, and work towards a common understanding and vision for Kenya.

“As a people, we have a difficult but worthwhile task ahead of us. It demands patriotism, courage, bravery, compassion, and a dedication to sincere involvement. We invite all Kenyans to participate in this crucial undertaking as we implement these strategies. Encouraging collaboration, bridging gaps, and creating a Kenya that radiates harmony, peace, and prosperity are all within our grasp,” he said.