Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his controversial remarks warning of possible unrest in the 2027 General Election, accusing the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of applying double standards and failing to uphold political neutrality.
The DP came under fire from NCIC after suggesting that Kenya could descend into post-election violence reminiscent of 2007 if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fails to conduct a free and fair election.
“There will be no country here. 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” Gachagua had said in a widely circulated statement.
In response, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia warned that the Commission would hold the Deputy President accountable for remarks deemed inciteful and a threat to national cohesion.
However, in a strongly-worded rebuttal issued Monday, Gachagua’s legal team dismissed NCIC’s position, arguing that the DP’s remarks were grounded in historical context and protected by Article 33 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
“The political instability and post-election violence witnessed in December 2007 to early 2008 were triggered by contested election results. The Deputy President’s statement serves as a cautionary reminder,” the legal team stated.
The team further accused NCIC of selective enforcement of its mandate, calling out perceived inaction against other political figures affiliated with President William Ruto’s camp who have also made inflammatory statements.
They singled out Oscar Sudi (Kapseret MP), William Kamket (Tiaty MP), and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, accusing them of issuing public threats to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections in favour of the President.
“Some of these statements were made in the presence of President Ruto without any rebuke, raising public concern about a possible scheme to rig the 2027 elections,” the legal team claimed.
Gachagua is now demanding that the NCIC address its alleged failure to act on other leaders’ remarks, warning that its silence undermines its credibility.
“Our client respectfully demands clarity as to whether the Commission remains committed to executing its constitutional and statutory mandate in a fair, impartial, and non-discriminatory manner,” the statement read.
The DP’s legal team also questioned the Commission’s handling of previous cases involving Daadab MP Farah Maalim, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, and MUHURI Board Member Khelef Khalifa, all of whom were summoned but have faced no further disciplinary action despite allegedly inciteful remarks.
