ADVERT 
ADVERTThe National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned four prominent political leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, over allegations of hate speech, in a move that signals a renewed crackdown on inflammatory political rhetoric.
The leaders summoned are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, and Gachagua. According to the commission, they are expected to begin recording statements before NCIC investigators starting next week.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Monday night, NCIC Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime confirmed that investigations into the four cases had reached an advanced stage.
She further revealed that the commission has already forwarded Gachagua’s investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review, saying it was among several pending cases inherited by the current commission.
“We found that the former Deputy President had many cases at the commission which, for some reason, had not progressed to the ODPP level. We have now forwarded the file,” Mwaathime said.
ADVERTShe explained that hate speech investigations often require extensive forensic verification, including authenticating video clips, identifying original recordings, interviewing witnesses and confirming that digital evidence has not been manipulated.
Mwaathime said investigations involving CS Duale have now been completed, prompting the issuance of formal summons. Similar action has also been taken against CS Ruku and MP Kaguchia.
According to the commissioner, while some cases appear to move faster than others, the pace depends on the complexity of evidence and cooperation from investigative agencies.
She noted that Kaguchia’s case progressed more quickly because the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already completed significant portions of the inquiry before the matter reached NCIC.
Leaders Warned Against Ignoring Summons
Mwaathime stressed that summons issued by constitutional commissions carry the force of law and must be obeyed.
She warned that any leader who fails to appear before the commission risks the issuance of arrest warrants, after which police officers would be mandated to arrest and present them before NCIC.
“We cannot exist in a nation where institutions established by law are ignored. Leaders must set an example by respecting lawful processes,” she said.
The latest summons come amid heightened political tensions and growing concerns over inflammatory public statements as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
If the ODPP finds sufficient evidence after reviewing the files, the affected leaders could face prosecution under Kenya’s laws governing hate speech and incitement, adding a significant legal dimension to the country’s increasingly charged political landscape.
