The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has officially summoned two Cabinet Secretaries, a Member of Parliament, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before it over allegations of hate speech.
NCIC Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime announced that Health CS Aden Duale, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, and Gachagua will begin providing statements to the commission starting next week.
Investigation and Legal Process
Mwaathime explained that the commission has completed significant investigative work, especially for Duale's case, and has now issued summons to the involved leaders. The process involved extensive verification of audio-visual evidence to confirm authenticity, origin, and integrity.
She also revealed that Gachagua’s file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) after lengthy multi-agency investigations. The delay in advancing cases to the ODPP was attributed to the complex nature of hate speech probes requiring collaboration with various agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Compliance and Consequences
The commissioner underscored the legal obligation of the summoned individuals to comply with the summons, equating them to High Court orders. Failure to appear would prompt the issuance of arrest warrants, compelling police to take enforcement action.
"We cannot tolerate a situation where lawful institutions are disregarded or where national leaders refuse to honour summons," Mwaathime stated, emphasizing the need for accountability among public figures.
