By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya , July 28, 2026 - Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of using the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to silence political opponents following public outrage over remarks attributed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed Duale's remarks, which he alleged likened people from the Mt Kenya region to "hyenas", had sparked widespread condemnation and prompted the NCIC to summon the Cabinet Secretary for questioning.
Gachagua alleged that Duale sought to deflect attention from the controversy by demanding that the commission also investigate him over alleged tribal remarks and hate speech.
"The remarks made by Mr Aden Duale have caused outrage in the country and have become a political liability. To divert public attention, the NCIC has now been directed to purport to investigate me," Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President accused the commission of lacking independence, alleging it had become an extension of the government rather than an impartial constitutional body.
"It is clear that the NCIC is an appendage of the Government and not the independent commission it ought to be," he said.
Gachagua maintained that his public statements were factual and made in the public interest, adding that anyone dissatisfied with his remarks should seek legal redress through the courts rather than what he described as politically motivated investigations.
"My remarks to the country, as always, are truthful, factual and authentic. If anyone is aggrieved, they are free to file suit in the courts of law," he stated.
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He vowed to continue criticizing President Ruto and members of his administration despite what he termed intimidation through State institutions.
"I shall continue calling out Mr William Ruto and his surrogates. A compromised NCIC will not stop me, not even for a minute," Gachagua said.
The DCP leader concluded by declaring that the opposition's push for political change remained on course ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"We march for Kenya and for truth towards August 10, 2027," he said.
The remarks are the latest escalation in the growing political confrontation between Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration amid heightened debate over political rhetoric and the role of independent institutions in enforcing national cohesion.