NCIC summons Gachagua over public utterances, warns of arrest
The commission said it was investigating “various utterances” allegedly made by Gachagua on different dates and at different public forums across the country.
Nairobi, Kenya – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before them over certain statements he made at various public events. In a summons dated August 18, 2026, the commission gave Gachagua until Thursday, August 27, at 2pm to attend and provide information.
The NCIC claims it is investigating "various statements" Gachagua allegedly made on different dates and at various locations across Kenya. NCIC CEO Daniel Mutegi Giti cautioned the DCP leader that not showing up could lead to further legal measures. The notice states, "Failure to appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time, will lead to warrants of arrest being issued for your arrest and production before the Commission and/or the institution of criminal and/or contempt proceedings against you."
This summons follows NCIC's announcement in July that Gachagua was among several high-profile political figures under investigation for alleged hate speech and incitement. The commission opened inquiries into Gachagua alongside Health CS Aden Duale, PS Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, and other politicians on July 28. This move comes during a politically volatile time, with parties and leaders ramping up their campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
NCIC has emphasized that it evaluates potentially divisive remarks based on context, intent, and possible impact, especially when such statements might exacerbate ethnic tensions or undermine harmony. Gachagua, who served as Deputy President from 2022 until his removal in 2024, has since become a prominent critic of President William Ruto's administration.
He leads the DCP and has been positioning the party as part of a broader political shift before the 2027 polls. The latest summons also rekindles a previous disagreement between Gachagua and NCIC regarding the investigation. In July, Gachagua accused the commission of diverting attention from Duale's remarks, which he claimed should have also warranted scrutiny.
Gachagua has previously disputed the commission's handling of what he calls "selective enforcement," arguing that political leaders should be held to the same standards. The summon also occurs amid rising concerns about political intolerance and inflammatory language in the nation. NCIC has recently cautioned political actors that constitutional rights do not include incitement to violence, hate speech, or disorder.
Gachagua's recent activities, focused on challenging the Ruto administration and rallying support for his new political coalition, have drawn increased attention from government bodies and political rivals. Gachagua has rejected allegations that his political comments constitute hate speech, describing the investigations as politically motivated.
The scheduled appearance on August 27 will thrust both Gachagua and NCIC into the spotlight, with the former Deputy President tasked to explain the statements under investigation and the commission under pressure to prove that its actions are evidence-based and applied consistently across the political spectrum. The summons mandates Gachagua's physical presence, with NCIC threatening arrest warrants and potential criminal or contempt proceedings if he fails to appear.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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