NCIC summons Gachagua over PEV remarks, warns against hate speech

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of of his new party , Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Nairobi on May 15th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has censured former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for comments deemed inflammatory and hinting at potential violence in the 2027 elections. Commission Chairman Reverend Samuel Kobia said Gachagua's comparison of the 2007 post-election violence to a "Christmas party" was appalling and deeply insensitive. "To refer to the 2007/2008 post-election violence as a 'Christmas party' is appalling and there is absolutely nothing festive about death, displacement and the trauma thousands of Kenyans still live with today," Kobia said in a statement. He added: "Such trivialisation shows a stark insensitivity to victims' memories and the remarkable resilience of survivors. We must never forget the over 1,000 lives lost and the widespread devastation of that period." Gachagua, had during a recent live interview, suggested that if the upcoming elections were rigged, the resulting chaos would make the 2007 violence look like a "Christmas party." However, Gachagua, who recently launched the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has denied advocating violence. He said he was simply expressing concerns about potential unrest if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) mishandles the electoral process. "I did not say there will be violence. I said Kenyans don't want (President William) Ruto to rig the 2027 General Election. I have also pleaded with the IEBC to remain patriotic because history has shown us what can happen when elections are contested," said Gachagua. On Wednesday, the commission, though not providing a specific date Gachagua should go their offices, confirmed they had summoned him and were working with relevant authorities to hold him accountable for his remarks. "We are working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure Rigathi Gachagua is held accountable. Reckless speech from any leader will not be tolerated," Kobia said. NCIC also issued a strong warning against inflammatory statements from citizens and leaders, stressing that this trend is damaging national unity. "We are witnessing a deeply troubling trend where public discourse is being replaced by toxic rhetoric, misinformation and incitement. This is not only dangerous it is eroding the very fabric of our national cohesion," Kobia said. He argued that inflammatory talk severely threatens national cohesion, promoting division rather than unity. "The practice of using these inflammatory utterances has posed severe risk to the national cohesion which is leading to division rather than unity," he added. The body also cautioned all leaders against spreading hateful or inflammatory statements. "Every word uttered by a leader carries immense weight and can either foster harmony or ignite animosity. It's time for greater discernment and accountability," said Kobia. The commission further addressed recent political shifts and the formation of new political parties, expressing alarm over a trend of ethnic-based politics, which they say violated the Constitution. "Let it be known NCIC will not stand by as political actors sow seeds of discord and division under the guise of political party formation. We are closely monitoring political narratives, alliances, and rhetoric emerging across the country. Those found to be fanning ethnic tensions by building the so-called political vehicles will be held accountable for any negative socio-political consequences," NCIC added.

NCIC summons Gachagua over PEV remarks, warns against hate speech

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NCIC summons Gachagua over PEV remarks, warns against hate speech

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