By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 28, 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale are among a host of high-profile political leaders under investigation by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over alleged hate speech and ethnic incitement as political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission on Tuesday publicly identified the prominent leaders as it unveiled a nationwide campaign against inflammatory political rhetoric, warning that no individual—regardless of political office or status—would be spared if found to have violated the law.
Besides Gachagua and Duale, those under investigation include Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Mandera Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria and Tipape Naini Musa, as well as Dr. Dennis Adison Ouma.
The announcement came in a joint statement issued by NCIC and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) following consultations on the country's political climate, amid growing concern over increasing ethnic profiling, inflammatory political statements and intolerance linked to the 2027 election campaigns.
NCIC Chairman Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae said the commission would independently pursue all cases before it without fear or favour, stressing that investigations do not amount to a finding of guilt and that all those named remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.
The commission warned that Kenya was witnessing a worrying resurgence of divisive politics, with some leaders increasingly resorting to language capable of inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining national cohesion.
"We have built one nation out of many nations, one people out of many peoples. Yet as we look toward the 2027 General Election, we do so with growing concern," the joint statement said.
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NCIC urged politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns and cautioned against the use of hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and violence, saying those found culpable would face legal action.
The commission also appealed to Kenyans not to stereotype entire communities over allegations facing individual leaders, emphasizing that criminal responsibility is personal and should never be extended to ethnic groups or regions.
To safeguard peaceful elections, NCIC and IRCK announced enhanced monitoring of political speeches, strengthened early warning systems, peace campaigns, civic education programmes and mediation initiatives across the country to prevent election-related conflict.