NCIC vows to hold Gachagua accountable over his election violence remarks
It says it is working with other relevant agencies to review his comments and take necessary action.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) expressed deep concern over recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the 2007/08 post-election violence.
The commission said the remarks were a dishonour the memory of the victims and ignore the pain endured by thousands of Kenyans during one of the country’s darkest periods.
In a statement read by the NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia, NCIC vowed to hold Gachagua accountable for what it describes as reckless and inciting remarks after he warned that any attempt to rig the 2027 elections will make the 2007/08 chaos look like a “Christmas party”.
NCIC said the former Deputy President’s comments were dangerously insensitive and a serious threat to national unity, warning other leaders who have made similar utterances that they too will face consequences.
“There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period. To trivialize such a profound national tragedy is to dishonor the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors,” Kobia said.
The commission confirmed it is working with other relevant agencies to review Gachagua’s comments and take necessary action.
It also issued a broader warning to all leaders who are spreading hateful or inflammatory statements, urging them to exercise caution in their public and private engagements.
Gachagua made the remarks during an interview on Obinna TV on May 16, where he warned that the 2027 General Election could trigger worse violence than the 2007 crisis if it is mismanaged.
“With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” he said during the interview.
Gachagua’s remarks have since attracted criticism from several leaders with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen saying the government will not allow the country to be plunged into chaos again.
Gachagua has, however, since said his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
He said that he did not predict or call for violence ahead of the 2027 elections but was simply expressing concerns about potential unrest should the electoral process be mishandled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“I did not say there will be violence in Kenya. I said that Kenyans don’t want Ruto to rig the 2027 General Election. I have also pleaded with the IEBC to remain patriotic because history has shown us what can happen when elections are contested,” the former DP said.
