Wambui Nyutu Fired From NCIC for Political Ties Linked to Gachagua. New Vice Chair Appointed Instantly

Wambui Nyutu has been officially removed from her position as the Vice Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Her dismissal came after the commission accused her of being involved in partisan political activities, something strictly forbidden for NCIC officials. 

This decision was made on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, during a Special Commission Meeting called specifically to discuss her conduct. The meeting was chaired by NCIC Chairperson, Dr. Samuel Kobia. 

According to Dr. Kobia, Ms. Nyutu broke the law and went against her oath of office by engaging in political affairs and aligning herself with political figures. He said that all the commissioners agreed to remove her from her position with immediate effect. 

“After a thorough discussion, the Commission unanimously resolved to relieve Ms. Nyutu of her role,” Dr. Kobia said in an official statement. He emphasized that this was done to protect the integrity and neutrality of the commission. 

This issue had been brewing for a while. Earlier in the year, the NCIC had already held three meetings about Ms. Nyutu’s political behavior. These meetings were triggered by her public comments and her visible links to political leaders, which were seen as being biased. 

At that time, Ms. Nyutu apologized to the commission and promised not to repeat the same behavior. However, recent actions suggest that she did not keep her word. 

During the July 22 meeting, the commission expressed “deep concern” that she had continued to take part in partisan activities. The NCIC said she even attended political meetings linked to a specific political party. 

Due to her continued involvement in politics, the NCIC initiated formal removal proceedings using Section 23 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act (CAP 7N). This section allows the commission to remove a member if they break the law or fail in their duties. 

Although the NCIC did not give full details of her political involvement, sources say that Ms. Nyutu has been frequently seen with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

In May 2025, during a church service, Nyutu praised Gachagua, calling him “one of the best leaders in the country.” This statement raised eyebrows, considering her role at the NCIC is meant to be politically neutral. 

Even before that, in November 2024, Nyutu held a formal meeting with Gachagua at his private home. In that meeting, she was referred to as a “daughter of the mountain,” a phrase often used in political circles to describe allegiance to Mount Kenya region politics. 

Such actions have been viewed by the commission as direct violations of her role. As a senior official in NCIC, Nyutu was expected to remain politically neutral and avoid showing support for any party or leader. 

Following her dismissal, the commission moved quickly to fill the vacant position. Dorcas Kedogo was elected as the new Vice Chairperson of NCIC. Her appointment took effect immediately after the announcement. 

This change in leadership marks a new chapter for the commission. Many are now watching to see if the NCIC will regain public trust and maintain its mandate of promoting peace and unity without political influence. 

The NCIC is a government agency that was created to help build harmony in the country. It investigates hate speech, political incitement, and tribalism. Its officials are expected to be completely independent of politics. 

The firing of Wambui Nyutu sends a strong message that political bias will not be tolerated within the commission. It also shows that accountability still matters in government institutions. 

Public reactions have been mixed. Some people feel the decision was fair and necessary. Others say the commission might have acted under political pressure, especially since the name of Rigathi Gachagua came up multiple times. 

Despite the controversy, Dr. Kobia insists that the process was legal, fair, and done in the best interest of the country. 

With Dorcas Kedogo stepping in as the new Vice Chair, Kenyans will be watching closely to see if she can restore neutrality and continue the NCIC’s important mission. 

The NCIC said it remains committed to promoting national unity and protecting Kenyans from any form of discrimination based on tribe, religion, or political affiliation. 

For now, Wambui Nyutu has not issued an official response to her removal. However, observers expect she may speak out in the coming days. 

As the situation develops, the focus will be on whether political leaders continue to respect the independence of oversight institutions like the NCIC.