Kanja under pressure to arrest Gachagua over incitement claims

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accompanied by Senators Paul Thangwa, John Methue and Naivasha MP Jane Kihara among other leaders, addresses the press after visiting Juja MP George Koimburi at Karen Hospital, Nairobi, on May 26, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is under growing pressure to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged inflammatory remarks.

Members of Parliament on Monday said they would summon Kanja to explain why Gachagua has not been arrested for warning that violence worse than the 2007 post-election clashes could erupt if the 2027 polls are rigged.

The MPs, who adjourned proceedings to debate the matter, also demanded answers from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of double standards when dealing with political leaders.

"No leader, including the former Deputy President, has the right to incite unrest, destroy property, or risk innocent lives," said National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who moved the motion.

"In recent weeks, we've heard reckless remarks from Gachagua-utterances that, whether intentional or not, have begun to stir unrest, especially around Wamunyoro and Mathira. Let it be known: choices have consequences," he added.

Gachagua sparked public outcry when he warned, "If the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country left. 2007 will look like a Christmas party."

Junet described the remarks as a "grave threat to national peace and unity" and accused Gachagua of promoting ethnic exclusion. He said the former DP had ignored a summons from NCIC, a move he claimed undermined constitutional authority.

"The NCIC summoned him, and he refused to appear. He acts as though he's above the law and Constitution. Who will protect us from this monster if the government won't act?" asked Junet.

Gachagua had dismissed the NCIC summons and accused the commission of bias, saying it ignored provocative remarks made by allies of President William Ruto.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita challenged the police to summon Gachagua to record a statement regarding his warning.

"If Gachagua claims the President has a killer squad, he must be held accountable. He is not above the law," Nyamita said, urging Parliament to summon the IG for an explanation.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo criticized NCIC as "toothless," adding: "To defy a lawful summons is the height of impunity."

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah condemned Gachagua's remarks as "disturbing" and unfit for someone who once held high office.

"That he could liken the 2007 bloodshed to a Christmas party shows a dark side of his leadership," Ichung'wah said.

He further accused Gachagua of attempting to control public discourse, including the arts. "He wants to dictate who performs, what they sing, when and where. If not praising him, they shouldn't perform. That's inciting Kenyans to storm clubs," he added.

Nominated MP Ahmed Abdisirat said Gachagua should be arrested and barred from holding public office.

Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, referencing her Uasin Gishu constituency that suffered during the 2007 violence, said, "We cannot allow anyone to bring back that pain through careless talk."

However, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo urged Parliament not to ignore the warning signs, saying Gachagua's concerns should be taken seriously.

"He has raised red flags. We must learn from history and prepare well for the next elections instead of killing the messenger," Oundo cautioned.