Gachagua’s impeachment could divide country, warns NCIC boss

By Peter Ochieng

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned that the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, could come with implications.

Speaking during a forum with members of the editor’s guild at a Nairobi Hotel on Monday, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia warned that removal of Gachagua from office could cause conflicts between the DP’s supporters in Mt. Kenya, and Kenyans from other parts of the country.

“Our major concern is that the way this process is shaping up could easily lead to conflicts between the people of Mt Kenya area and people from other parts of the country, this is what we are worried about,” he said.

“We feel that the Senate in handling this matter should do it in a way that all Kenyana will feel that it has been fair and it has been done according to the law.”

281 MPs voted in favour of Gachagua’s impeachment motion last week. The motion is before the Senate, where the second in command is expected to defend himself against the 11 charges levelled against him, on Thursday this week.

Kobia added that the media has a major role to play in shaping conversations across generations. “We acknowledge today’s rapidly evolving society, and the pivotal role of the media in shaping conversations across generations,” he stated.

“As we navigate the complexities of our national identity and collective future, particularly in a diverse nation like ours, the media emerges not merely as a tool for information dissemination but as a vital catalyst for meaningful dialogue between generations. The media plays a crucial role in narrative, acting as a conduit for the voices of our youth while also providing a platform for dialogue that transcends generational divides.”

On her part, Kenya Editors Guild CEO, Rosalia Omungo said capacity building and sensitization of journalists in the area of identifying hate speech is key.

She said they are ready to partner with the commission to build capacity for journalists in the area.