If the National Cohesion and Integration Commission summons him over alleged hate speech, he should appear, answer the questions and let the law take its course.
Instead, we are witnessing the familiar politics of diversion. Rather than honouring the summons, his allies are busy hunting for faults in the date and time, while Gachagua points to a planned trip to the United States.
That is not the example expected from a former senior state official who claims to believe in the rule of law.
The message from the NCIC must be equally blunt: its mandate is not negotiable. The commission cannot crack down on hate speech while allowing politically connected individuals to treat its summons as suggestions.
That would erode public confidence and weaken an institution whose authority depends on being seen to act fairly and firmly.
If Gachagua has nothing to hide, he should show up. If the date genuinely conflicts with an unavoidable engagement, he can make a proper request through the appropriate channels – not mobilise political allies to manufacture excuses.
The NCIC must stand firm. Nobody is above the law.
Quote of the day: “Wherever they have been arraigned, a plain charge has been exhibited against them. They have had an impartial trial and have been permitted to make their defence.” —First British Prime Minister Robert Walpole was born on August 26, 1676
