NCIC summons Gachagua, threaten arrest over ‘snake’ remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before it over a series of remarks allegedly made at public forums in different parts of the country.

In a summons dated August 18, 2026, the commission directed Gachagua, who is now the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), to appear in person at its offices at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm.

NCIC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mutegi Giti said the commission was investigating “various utterances” allegedly made by Gachagua at different public forums, including remarks made in Kisii, Vihiga and Meru counties.

The commission said the investigations were being conducted under Sections 27, 29 and 63C as read with Section 63E of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

The summons cites remarks allegedly made by Gachagua at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on February 23, during a public rally in Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12, and during his tour of Meru between July 25 and July 28.

Among the statements under scrutiny are remarks in which Gachagua is alleged to have used figurative language while referring to “killing” a snake and its eggs, as well as comments touching on political leaders and the leadership of the Mount Kenya region.

NCIC warned the former Deputy President that failure to honour the summons could trigger further legal action.

“Take notice that failure to appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time, will lead to warrants of arrest being issued,” the commission said, adding that Gachagua could also face criminal and/or contempt proceedings.

The summons comes barely three weeks after NCIC publicly disclosed that Gachagua was among several senior political figures under investigation over alleged hate speech and incitement.

On July 28, the commission said it had opened investigations into Gachagua, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and other political leaders over utterances made at various public events.

Otuoma has separately been summoned to appear before NCIC on August 21 at 10am over remarks allegedly made in Busia County on June 27.

The commission said its mandate is to promote national unity and harmony while guarding against negative ethnicity, racism, religious intolerance and hate speech.

The latest action places Gachagua and NCIC at the centre of renewed political tensions as parties and leaders intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua, who served as Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2024, has since emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President William Ruto’s administration.

He has previously rejected allegations that his remarks amount to hate speech and accused NCIC of selective enforcement, arguing that political leaders should be subjected to the same standards.

Following the earlier announcement of the investigations, Gachagua also questioned why remarks attributed to other senior government officials were not receiving similar scrutiny.

NCIC has maintained that potentially inflammatory statements are assessed based on their context, intent and likely impact, particularly where they could heighten ethnic tensions or undermine peaceful coexistence.