Gachagua Declines to Appear Before NCIC Citing Pre-Planned Overseas Trip

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced he will not comply with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission's (NCIC) summons scheduled for August 27, 2026.

The NCIC had summoned Gachagua to appear at 2pm that day to explain alleged inflammatory remarks made during political rallies in Vihiga, Kisii, and Meru counties. The commission's probe centers on statements perceived to incite ethnic hatred, including a controversial reference to "killing the snake and its eggs" during his Meru tour in July 2026.

In a letter addressed to NCIC Chief Executive Dr. Daniel Giti, Gachagua's legal team from Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates stated that the scheduled date conflicts with a previously arranged and publicly known foreign trip lasting from August 26 to October 20. They also criticized the NCIC for failing to provide complete evidence, including original audio-visual recordings and certified transcripts, which they say is essential for a fair investigation.

The defence further challenged the precision and context of the alleged statements, highlighting language barriers and the lack of detailed information on the exact times and locations of the remarks. They argued that the excerpts cited do not constitute hate speech under the relevant sections of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Gachagua’s lawyers emphasized that political disagreements should not be conflated with threats to national cohesion and that their client respects lawful inquiries when fully informed.

Political Reactions and Calls for Fairness

The summons have sparked criticism among Gachagua’s supporters. Nyandarua Senator John Methu described the summons as discriminatory and an attempt to suppress dissent, accusing the government of applying laws selectively.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina urged the NCIC to demonstrate impartiality and apply the law equally to both government and opposition figures. She pointed out inflammatory statements made by government officials and warned against using public institutions as political tools.

Several politicians allied to Gachagua, including Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, have faced hate speech charges. Additionally, others have been fined for breaching electoral codes during recent by-elections.

The NCIC had not responded to Gachagua’s lawyers’ requests for more information by the time of reporting.