Gachagua declines NCIC summons, cites US trip

Kenya's DCP party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, refused to appear before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on August 27, citing an overseas trip. His legal team, Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates, stated that Gachagua would be absent from August 26 to October 20 due to a pre-planned foreign travel. The NCIC had summoned Gachagua to assist with investigations into remarks he allegedly made at various public events between June 12, 2026, and July 28, 2026.

These remarks included comments made during a rally in Luanda, Vihiga County; a speech at Gusii Stadium targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda; and a tour of Meru between July 25 and July 28. Gachagua's legal representatives challenged the manner in which the allegations were presented, requesting original audio-visual recordings, certified transcripts, and translations of statements made in languages other than English or Kiswahili.

They argued that the allegations did not constitute offenses under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, as the remarks did not incite contempt, hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination based on ethnicity or race. The lawyers also sought clarification on the commission's rules of procedure, including whether Gachagua could be accompanied by his lawyers, produce evidence, call witnesses, and receive copies of complaints and supporting evidence.

Despite declining to appear on August 27, Gachagua's legal team affirmed his willingness to cooperate with the commission, provided he receives the requested materials and facilitation to participate in the process. Another individual, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, also declined to appear before the commission, citing unavoidable state duties.