Senator Cheruiyot wants NCIC boss out over inaction on Gachagua's remarks

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has called for the resignation of Samuel Kobia, the Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), along with the entire commission, criticising them for their inaction regarding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's controversial remarks.

Cheruiyot accused the NCIC of failing to address what he described as inciting and divisive statements made by Gachagua over the past few years, which formed part of the grounds for his impeachment on Thursday.

During a session in the Senate on Thursday evening, Cheruiyot, while moving a motion for Gachagua’s impeachment, emphasised the need for an audit of public institutions.

"We have institutions that are charged with the responsibility of making sure that we are a cohesive society. After the 2010 Constitution, we set up the NCIC, and it was our sincere hope that that commission perhaps would help us, especially leaders, learn better from our utterances and say things that leave the rest of Kenyans feeling that they're proud patriots," he said.

The UDA lawmaker lamented the NCIC's lack of responsiveness despite being funded by taxpayers.

The Senator pointed out that the commission’s inactivity may contribute to ongoing challenges, particularly following the impeachment of Gachagua.

He criticised Kobia for a recent warning to Parliament that the impeachment of Gachagua could further divide the nation.

Cheruiyot highlighted a perceived double standard by the NCIC, recalling a supposed ban in 2022 on the phrase "hatupangwingwi", associated with President William Ruto, then the deputy president.

The senator argued it was hypocritical for the NCIC to censure such language in the past while remaining silent on Gachagua's recent statements.

"I saw them (NCIC) the other day issue a statement saying if you carry out this impeachment process, it will divide the country. I want to tell Reverend Kobia, you better resign. I have never seen a public officer who is as disgraced as that gentleman," Cheruiyot said.

He further expressed disappointment that the NCIC has not addressed the harm caused by Gachagua's comments.

"When the National Assembly has moved to say that we must put a stop to this, they finally show up on stage to say that this will divide Kenyans. Don't Kenyans deserve better from their public institutions?" the Senator asked.

While urging the NCIC commissioners to resign, the Senate Majority leader asserted that the country deserves a leadership capable of fostering unity rather than supporting divisive narratives.

"I hope that by the end of this particular exercise, all the commissioners of that particular institution will find it fit to resign so that we can have Kenyans who understand how we can build a more cohesive society," he said.