The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has come out to refute widespread social media reports alleging that it had summoned Democracy for Citizens party leader Rigathi Gachagua over controversial remarks linked to the Eastleigh area.
In a clarification issued on Thursday, the commission stated that no summons or administrative action has been taken against the former Deputy President, despite growing public pressure and formal complaints submitted to the commission.
However, NCIC stopped short of confirming whether Gachagua’s statements meet the threshold for hate speech or whether further action could be taken in the future.
The clarification follows a formal complaint lodged on Tuesday by owners of a major shopping mall in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate.
The proprietors accused Gachagua of making damaging claims that tied the construction of their mall to funds allegedly stolen in a U.S.-led investigation related to the Minnesota fraud case.
According to the complaint, Gachagua made the remarks on January 4 while addressing congregants at AIPCA Kiratina Church in Githunguri, Kiambu County.
Lawyers representing the mall owners argue that the statements were false, defamatory, and harmful to their lawful business.
“Our clients’ property was developed through legitimate means. Any claims associating it with criminal proceeds are unfounded and injurious,” the lawyers stated in their letter to NCIC.
They further accused Gachagua of repeatedly referencing ethnicity in his remarks, arguing that his comments appeared to unfairly associate the Somali community with criminal activity.
The lawyers urged NCIC to investigate whether the statements amounted to ethnic profiling or hate speech, and to consider censure or prosecution if necessary.
The controversy has since drawn political reactions. Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka weighed in on the matter on Wednesday, dismissing claims that the opposition was targeting the Somali community.
Speaking during the burial of the late Muhia Njoroge, father to Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Kalonzo emphasized that the opposition remains committed to national unity and stands in solidarity with all communities, including Kenyan Somalis.
Despite the mounting complaints, NCIC has yet to issue a summons to Gachagua, with past grievances against him reportedly ending in cautionary letters rather than formal disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, allies of the former Deputy President have accused the commission of applying its mandate inconsistently, calling on NCIC to act fairly and without political bias as the debate continues.
Tags
News