The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before it over a series of utterances the commission is investigating for possible violations relating to hate speech and incitement.
In a summons dated August 18, 2026, NCIC directed Gachagua to appear at its offices at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm to assist with ongoing investigations.
The commission said the inquiry concerns “various utterances” made by Gachagua on different dates and at public forums across the country.
Remarks Made In Kisii
Among the incidents cited is an alleged utterance made by Gachagua at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on February 23, 2026, targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zagheer Jhanda.
According to the summons, Gachagua questioned the MP’s presence in the area and made remarks concerning his political support base.
NCIC has included the alleged remarks in its summons as part of the material under investigation.
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The commission also cited statements allegedly made during Gachagua’s tour of Meru between July 25 and July 28, 2026.
According to NCIC, Gachagua used the phrases “tutaua nyoka pamoja na mayai” and “kufukuza William Ruto kwa kura” while addressing a public gathering.
The commission’s document quotes Gachagua as explaining the phrases were figurative and symbolic, with “killing the snake” referring to removing President William Ruto from office through the ballot and “killing the eggs” referring to voting out his supporters.
Gachagua maintained that his remarks amounted to figurative language rather than hate speech.
Targeting Ruto and Mt. Kenya Leaders
NCIC further cited remarks in which Gachagua accuse President Ruto of seeking to eliminate the political leadership of the Mt. Kenya region.
The former DP is also alleged to have attacked leaders who supported the Ruto administration and urged residents to send a “very strong signal” to leaders he described as having betrayed the Mt. Kenya community.
According to the summons, Gachagua made the remarks while addressing residents in Meru and criticized the removal of several leaders from positions he associated with the region.
Among those mentioned in the alleged remarks were former DP Gachagua himself, former CS Mithika Linturi and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
The commission also cited remarks made by Gachagua during a public rally in Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12.
The statements are among the utterances NCIC is seeking to have Gachagua explain during his appearance.
Possible Arrest
NCIC has warned Gachagua that failure to attend the summons could result in an arrest warrant being issued for his production before the commission.
The commission further warned that failure to appear at the specified place, date and time could lead to criminal and/or contempt proceedings.
The summons come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua emerging as a prominent opposition figure through his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
