NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have rejected summons issued to party leader Rigathi Gachagua by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), challenging the commission to instead travel to his Wamunyoro residence to question him.
The leaders accused the NCIC of applying double standards in how it handles political leaders and said Gachagua would be available to respond to the allegations at his Nyeri-area home.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa dismissed the summons and invited the commission to Wamunyoro.
“Rigathi Gachagua hawezi kuja kwa NCIC. NCIC, nyinyi ndiyo tunaalika mkuje Wamunyoro Tuesday muone Gachagua,” Thang’wa said.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina similarly accused the commission of treating opposition politicians differently from government-aligned leaders.
“Wewe ukiona watu wa opposition unapeana ilani washikwe within 24 hours. Wanga na Kaluma wakipanga violence Homa Bay unanyamaza,” she said.
Gachagua rallies support for DCP in Murang’a
The remarks came as Gachagua led DCP supporters through Murang’a town, an area politically associated with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who recently assumed leadership of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) after leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Gachagua avoided directly attacking Nyoro but used the rally to reinforce his position that DCP remains the political vehicle for the Mount Kenya region.
“Hapa Mlima Kenya chama ni gani? Ni DCP? Harambee DCP, harambee DCP,” Gachagua told supporters.
The former Deputy President also cautioned his supporters against being distracted by the emergence of new political parties in the region.
“Tuendelee na watu wangu. Please, don’t be distracted. Be focused. Tukianza safari yetu ya DCP tuko pamoja,” he said.
He urged supporters to remain focused on the party’s political journey and warned against internal divisions.
DCP allies accuse Ruto of dividing Mount Kenya
Gachagua’s allies used the gathering to accuse President William Ruto’s administration of attempting to weaken Mount Kenya’s political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
DCP Secretary General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu alleged that the government was seeking to reduce the region’s parliamentary representation and fragment its political support.
“Unapanga kufanya ile mambo ya Moi ya 1992 ya kutaka kusimamisha watu urais hapa kwa Mlima. Nataka nikuambie, sahau hiyo maneno. Wanataka kupunguza number yetu ya wabunge,” Methu claimed.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu similarly accused the administration of using multiple political strategies to divide the region.
“Kasongo umedhulumu jamii hii miaka mingi. Ukaanza na kutoa Gachagua, ukaleta goons kutuharibia biashara. Isitoshe, akajaribu kutugawa East na West. Sasa analeta chama mingi kutugawanya. Chama yetu ni moja na inaitwa DCP,” Muriu said.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu called for political unity around the party.
“We are one mountain, under one leader and one party, DCP,” Nyutu said.
NCIC summons Gachagua over alleged inflammatory remarks
The confrontation follows an August 18, 2026 summons in which the NCIC directed Gachagua to appear before the commission in Nairobi.
According to the commission, Gachagua is required to appear at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, at 2 pm to assist with ongoing investigations.
The NCIC said the inquiry concerns “various utterances” allegedly made by Gachagua on different dates and at public forums across the country.
The commission is investigating whether the remarks could amount to violations relating to hate speech and incitement.
The summons have nevertheless triggered a fresh political confrontation between Gachagua’s camp and the commission, with DCP leaders questioning whether the NCIC is applying its mandate consistently across the political divide.
The dispute comes as political parties and leaders intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Mount Kenya region emerging as a key battleground.
