NCIC has begun tightening the screws on politicians accused of spreading hate and inflammatory rhetoric, summoning former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma over remarks made at public rallies.
Gachagua has been ordered to appear before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm at Britam Towers in Nairobi to assist with investigations into remarks made at different public forums.
The summons cites remarks made by Gachagua in Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12, at Gusii Stadium in Kisii on February 23, and during his tour of Meru between July 25 and 28.
In Luanda, NCIC is investigating remarks that included references to “macousins” and a suggestion that an individual should look for his “macousin” in Sudan.
At Gusii Stadium, Gachagua is accused of making remarks targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zagheer Jhanda and calling on residents to “chase away traitors” within the Kisii community.
NCIC is also investigating his remarks in Meru, where he explained his earlier “we will kill the snake together with its eggs” statement as a political call to remove President William Ruto and his supporters through the ballot.
Otuoma has been summoned to appear before NCIC on Friday, August 21, at 10am over remarks he allegedly made at Bulanda Junction in Busia County on June 27.
According to the commission, Otuoma made remarks about searching houses, identifying people in Busia and young people accused of engaging in smuggling.
NCIC has warned both politicians that failure to appear could lead to arrest warrants and further legal action, including criminal or contempt proceedings.
The latest summonses come days after the commission also summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over remarks he allegedly made in Homa Bay on August 15.
NCIC has stepped up scrutiny of political rhetoric as concerns grow over inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The question now is whether NCIC’s action against Gachagua will mark a serious push to curb inflammatory rhetoric ahead of 2027, or simply expose the commission as a toothless watchdog unable to turn summonses into meaningful action.
APERIT FM, HII NI YETU
