Mukurweini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia has refused to comply with a directive by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to publicly apologise and withdraw remarks he made at a rally in Kieni on August 1. Kaguchia stated that the matter is already before the courts and he will only apologise or retract his alleged divisive remarks after the case is conclusively heard and determined.
The NCIC had directed Kaguchia to withdraw the statements, issue a public apology, and undertake not to repeat similar remarks, finding his utterances at the Kieni political gathering threatening, intimidatory, and coercive. However, Kaguchia and leaders allied to the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) have questioned the commission's mandate to deal with the matter, accusing it of bias and selective enforcement.
Kaguchia, speaking at Giathugu PCEA Church in Mukurwe-ini during the burial of his aunt, Mama Alice Wangui, accused the NCIC of selectively dealing with political leaders over utterances deemed offensive. He cited several leaders who have made similar remarks but were not taken to task by the commission, including Kaluma, Wainaina of Eldoret, Duale, and Hassan Omar.
The DCP leaders have defended Kaguchia, advising him not to retract the remarks before the matter is heard in court. They argue that the NCIC's actions amount to selective delivery of injustice. Methu, a DCP leader, stated that they have advised Kaguchia not to apologise until the court case is concluded.
Kaguchia's decision to defy the NCIC directive has sparked controversy, with the commission's actions being seen as a test of its authority to regulate hate speech and divisive remarks. The MP's supporters argue that the commission is overstepping its mandate, while others see his actions as a challenge to the rule of law.
The case against Kaguchia is set to be heard in court, with the MP maintaining that he will not comply with the NCIC directive until the court case is concluded. The outcome of the case is likely to have implications for the regulation of hate speech and divisive remarks in Kenya.
The controversy surrounding Kaguchia's remarks and the NCIC's directive has sparked a wider debate about the role of the commission in regulating hate speech and promoting national cohesion. The case is likely to have significant implications for the country's political landscape and the limits of free speech.
Key points
- MP Kaguchia refuses to comply with NCIC directive to apologise for alleged divisive remarks.
- The MP cites a pending court case and accuses the NCIC of selective enforcement.
- The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of the NCIC in regulating hate speech and promoting national cohesion.
