Gachagua summoned by NCIC over alleged hate speech

Kenya, August 18, 2026 - Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to appear before the commission over utterances made at several public gatherings.

In a notice dated August 18, the commission ordered Mr Gachagua to appear before it on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm to assist with ongoing investigations.

The summons relate to investigations under sections 27, 29 and 63C, as read with Section 63E of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

The commission said it was investigating several utterances allegedly made by Mr Gachagua at different public forums across the country.

Among the incidents cited in the summons is a public rally in Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12, where Mr Gachagua allegedly made remarks referring to political opponents as “cousins” and used language that the commission is examining.

The former deputy president is also accused of making remarks during a public gathering at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on February 23, targeting Nyabari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda.

The NCIC summons further cite remarks allegedly made during a tour of Meru between July 25 and July 28.

According to the notice, Mr Gachagua explained that some of the language he used during the Meru tour was figurative and drawn from proverbs and symbolism.

The commission, however, has asked him to appear in person to assist with its investigations.

The summons warns that failure to appear at the specified place, date and time could result in a warrant of arrest being issued and his production before the commission.

The commission also warned that failure to comply could lead to the institution of criminal and/or contempt proceedings.

The notice was signed by NCIC Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Dr Daniel Mutegi Giti and copied to commission chairman Bishop Kepha N. Omae.

The NCIC is established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act with a mandate to promote national unity and harmonious relations among communities, including by addressing negative ethnicity, racism, religious intolerance and hate speech.

Mr Gachagua, who served as Deputy President before his removal from office in October 2024, currently leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and has emerged as a prominent opposition figure ahead of the 2027 General Election.