The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ordered Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Mukurweini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia to retract remarks it found could undermine national cohesion, according to two separate determinations issued on Wednesday. NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae stated that Ruku’s comments in Tharaka-Nithi constituted divisive ethnic generalizations and collective blame, while Kaguchia’s remarks at a political gathering in Kieni, Nyeri County, were characterized as threats, intimidation, and coercion against individuals based on their political choices. Ruku, who appeared before the commission on September 1, admitted to making the remarks but argued that the Constitution safeguards distinct ethnic identities and advocacy for equitable development. The commission rejected this defense, emphasizing that Cabinet secretaries remain bound by the National Cohesion and Integration Act. It directed Ruku to cease repeating, publishing, or endorsing collective ethnic allegations and to publicly retract claims that Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for inequitable development and appointments, in both Kiswahili and English. Kaguchia’s remarks, which triggered a criminal case and an NCIC inquiry, included calls for identifying and removing supporters of President William Ruto—referred to as 'Kasongo'—from their homes and withholding communal assistance during funerals, dowry ceremonies, and illnesses. The MP was arrested on August 3 and charged with offensive conduct. During his appearance before the NCIC, Kaguchia disputed the English translation of his speech, insisting the original Kikuyu version be used. The commission rejected this, citing a certified translation and audio recording as evidence. The NCIC concluded that Kaguchia’s rhetoric risked intimidation, social exclusion, and harm to peaceful political participation. It ordered him to issue a public retraction, apology, and corrective statement in Kikuyu, Kiswahili, and English, with comparable reach to his original speech. He must also affirm Kenyans’ right to support any leader without intimidation or exclusion. Failure to comply within seven days could lead to further action, the commission warned. Omae urged politicians to avoid rhetoric that deepens ethnic and political divisions as Kenya approaches the 2027 election, stating, "Let us all be peace ambassadors in all our engagements. We have a shared responsibility to do that." The commission emphasized its role in maintaining harmony, with Ruku and Kaguchia now facing public accountability for their statements. Ruku, who previously faced scrutiny over remarks about the University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor’s dismissal, defended his comments as political language, not physical threats. Kaguchia’s case highlights tensions between political advocacy and communal responsibilities, as the NCIC seeks to balance free expression with national cohesion. Both men’s actions underscore the commission’s growing influence in policing inflammatory speech ahead of the 2027 polls. The NCIC’s interventions reflect broader concerns about ethnic polarization and political violence in Kenya. Analysts note that the commission’s authority to issue retraction orders underscores its role as a key arbiter in maintaining social harmony. However, critics argue that such measures risk chilling legitimate political discourse, particularly in a country with a history of ethnic-based conflicts. The rulings come amid heightened political activity as parties prepare for the 2027 general election. With 342 days until polls, the NCIC’s actions signal its intent to preemptively address divisive rhetoric. For Ruku and Kaguchia, the orders represent a significant setback, forcing them to reconcile their public statements with the legal and ethical obligations of public office.
Slap on the wrist, again: NCIC orders Ruku, Kaguchia to withdraw divisive remarks
NCIC Orders Ruku, Kaguchia to Retract Remarks Amid National Cohesion Concerns
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia to retract remarks it found could undermine national unity, citing ethnic generalizations and threats against political opponents.