Lawmakers backing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have lashed out at Kenya's peace commission after it warned him about stirring up trouble. The politicians think the National Cohesion and Integration Commission helps the government target Gachagua unfairly. The commission stepped in because Gachagua told President William Ruto to stay away from Meru if the Chief Justice loses her job.
The peace commission believes these words might cause ethnic tensions between different communities. MP Edward Muriu from Gatanga led the charge against President Ruto, claiming he uses government agencies as weapons against political rivals. Muriu defended Gachagua, saying he simply stands up for the Mt Kenya region when it faces being left out of important government decisions.
Several other elected officials, including representatives from various areas and two senators, joined Muriu during his statements. Muriu suggested something more troubling—he sees signs of a plan to push professionals from the Mt Kenya region out of government positions. He firmly rejected the idea that Gachagua's comments qualify as dangerous speech, referring to Kenya's violent history from 2007.
The situation highlights growing tensions between the former deputy and current president. Their political fallingout has created divides among lawmakers, especially those representing the Mt Kenya region. The peace commission finds itself caught between political factions as it tries to prevent language that might inflame ethnic divisions across the country.
The peace commission believes these words might cause ethnic tensions between different communities. MP Edward Muriu from Gatanga led the charge against President Ruto, claiming he uses government agencies as weapons against political rivals. Muriu defended Gachagua, saying he simply stands up for the Mt Kenya region when it faces being left out of important government decisions.
Several other elected officials, including representatives from various areas and two senators, joined Muriu during his statements. Muriu suggested something more troubling—he sees signs of a plan to push professionals from the Mt Kenya region out of government positions. He firmly rejected the idea that Gachagua's comments qualify as dangerous speech, referring to Kenya's violent history from 2007.
The situation highlights growing tensions between the former deputy and current president. Their political fallingout has created divides among lawmakers, especially those representing the Mt Kenya region. The peace commission finds itself caught between political factions as it tries to prevent language that might inflame ethnic divisions across the country.
