By John Kariuki
Gatanga Member of Parliament Edward Muriu has strongly condemned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for reprimanding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks in Meru County.
Muriu, a staunch ally of Gachagua, dismissed NCIC’s stance, accusing the commission of political bias and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression. He argued that the former DP’s warning to President William Ruto against visiting Meru if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office was being misconstrued for political convenience.
“The NCIC should be an impartial arbiter of national unity, not a tool for silencing certain leaders while turning a blind eye to others,” Muriu stated. He further questioned why similar scrutiny was not directed at leaders who have made inflammatory statements in the past.
NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia, in a letter condemning Gachagua’s remarks, cited concerns that such utterances could fuel ethnic divisions and political hostility. However, Muriu and other allies of the former DP insist that Gachagua was simply expressing legitimate concerns on behalf of the people.
Muriu reiterated his unwavering support for Gachagua, urging NCIC to focus on genuine threats to national unity rather than politically motivated reprimands. As political temperatures continue to rise, the MP warned against weaponizing government institutions to target specific leaders, calling for fairness and justice in handling national matters.