Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is among senior political leaders now under investigation by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over alleged hate speech and incitement.
The move puts Gachagua back in the spotlight as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
NCIC on Tuesday confirmed it has opened investigations into Gachagua alongside Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and three Members of Parliament over remarks the commission believes may have breached the law.
The latest probe comes amid growing concerns over the tone of political campaigns, with leaders increasingly trading ethnic and divisive statements during public rallies.
The commission has not disclosed the specific remarks under investigation but maintained that it is acting on complaints received and will handle all cases without favour.
The development comes just days after Duale dismissed claims that his remarks amounted to hate speech and challenged NCIC to first summon Gachagua.
“If there is anyone who has made hate speech, then the number one person in Kenya is Rigathi Gachagua,” Duale said.
His remarks followed criticism over comments he made during a public event in Mandera County, which some leaders argued were inflammatory. Duale has insisted his words were taken out of context.
For Gachagua, the latest investigation adds to a series of controversies that have kept him at the centre of national politics since leaving office. The former Deputy President has repeatedly defended his public statements, insisting he speaks on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
With less than a year and a half to the next General Election, the NCIC probe is expected to pile more pressure on political leaders as the commission moves to curb hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric during the campaign period.
