Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is once again at the center of controversy after making remarks that have sparked widespread outrage and drawn the attention of security agencies.
Speaking during a recent political gathering, Gachagua allegedly instructed members of the Kikuyu community to heckle and chase away leaders allied to President William Ruto whenever they appear in public functions.
His comments have been described as incitement and a direct threat to national unity. Several officials close to the President have accused him of promoting hostility within the Mt. Kenya region and fueling tensions that could escalate into violence.
Security agencies are now said to be considering possible arrest and prosecution if the deputy president fails to retract the statements.
Leaders allied to the President have condemned the remarks, calling them reckless and divisive. They argue that the directive, if acted upon, could plunge the region into chaos as supporters clash during political events.
Some have gone further to accuse Gachagua of attempting to create an ethnic militia to intimidate political opponents, warning that the government will not tolerate such moves.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also been drawn into the matter, with sources indicating that it may issue a fresh warning or open investigations into Gachagua’s comments.
The NCIC Act strictly prohibits incitement to violence and hate speech, and anyone found guilty risks arrest, fines, or imprisonment.
Gachagua’s political rivals claim the remarks are part of a broader strategy to rally the Kikuyu community behind him while isolating leaders who continue to support the President.
They say the deputy president is using fear and intimidation to silence dissent within Mt. Kenya, a move that could destabilize the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the growing uproar, Gachagua has remained defiant. His allies insist that he was misquoted and that his intention was to mobilize the community against betrayal, not to incite violence.
They argue that his statements fall under freedom of expression, accusing his critics of twisting the message to score political points.
The escalating war of words now puts the deputy president on a collision course with state authorities. If action is taken, it would mark the first time in Kenya’s history that a sitting deputy president faces arrest over alleged incitement.
Analysts warn that such a move could further polarize the political scene, especially within Mt. Kenya, where loyalties are already sharply divided between Gachagua and Ruto’s camp.
For now, all eyes are on security agencies and NCIC as Kenyans wait to see whether the law will take its course or whether the matter will be handled politically.
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