Gachagua responds after NCIC opens investigation into his remarks
By Emmanuel Rono, July 28, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of being used to divert public attention from controversial remarks made by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over reported hate speech and selective investigations.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Gachagua claimed that Duale had made offensive remarks against the Mt. Kenya community and argued that the subsequent move by the NCIC to mention him in its investigations was politically motivated.
“Mr. Aden Duale, sent by his master William Ruto, made a scathing attack on the people from Mt. Kenya, calling them hyenas,” Gachagua said, adding that the remarks had sparked outrage across the country and had become a political liability for the government.
The former deputy president said Duale had initially been summoned by the NCIC to explain his comments but later argued that he would only honour the summons if Gachagua was also investigated over allegations of tribal remarks and hate speech.
Attempt to shift focus
According to Gachagua, the commission’s decision to pursue him was an attempt to shift focus from the backlash that followed Duale’s remarks.
“To deflect attention from the outrage his remarks have caused, the NCIC has been directed to purport to investigate Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
Gachagua went further and questioned the independence of the cohesion commission, describing it as “an appendage of the Government and not the independent commission that it ought to be.”
NCIC probe to some leaders
This comes after the NCIC announced that it is reviewing statements by several political leaders over possible violations of hate speech and cohesion laws, signaling a broader crackdown on inflammatory political rhetoric.
While addressing the media on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the commission named Gachagua alongside Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, and others, including Busia governor Paul Otuoma and other MPs.
“His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president of the Republic of Kenya; Cabinet Secretary Honourable Aden Duale; Cabinet Secretary Honourable Paul Yongesa Otoma; Governor of Busia County, His Excellency Dr Ali Mali Muhammad; Deputy Governor of Mandera County, Honourable John Koyi Waluke MP of Sirisia; Honourable Wanjiku E. Muhia; Honourable David Gikaria; Tipe Musa; and Dr Dennis Edson,” NCIC chair stated.
“As investigations proceed, all parties remain entitled to their rights until any wrongdoing is proven. The outcome of the NCIC probe could have significant implications for political discourse and accountability among Kenyan leaders in the coming months,” he added.
Gachagua: My statements were based on facts
Gachagua, however, maintained that his public statements were based on facts and challenged anyone aggrieved by his remarks to seek legal redress through the courts.
“My remarks to the country, as always, are truthful, factual and authentic; if, in any way, anyone is aggrieved, which is rare, I invite them to file suit in the courts of law,” he said.
He insisted that he would continue criticising President Ruto and his allies despite the investigations.
“A compromised NCIC will not stop me, not even for a minute,” Gachagua declared.
“The people of Kenya are entitled to the truth, and their liberation is unstoppable. We march for Kenya and for truth towards 10th August 2027.”