Gachagua, Duale Among Top Leaders Under NCIC Investigation Over Hate Speech

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched investigations into several prominent leaders over utterances allegedly linked to hate speech and ethnic incitement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Commission announced in a joint statement with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) following a consultative meeting between the two institutions on July 28.

The two organisations warned of rising political intolerance, inflammatory rhetoric, cyber harassment and ethnic mobilisation as Kenya heads towards the next General Election.

They said the growing political tension across the country, on social media and through other platforms, could threaten national cohesion if left unchecked.

Gachagua, Duale Among Those Under Investigation on Hate Speech

NCIC said its Investigations and Compliance Department is independently investigating utterances attributed to several political leaders and other individuals.

Those under investigation include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma.

Others are Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Wanjiku Muhia, David Gikaria, Tipape Naini Musa and Dr Dennis Adison Ouma.

NCIC said the investigations are being conducted in accordance with the law and due process.

The Commission stressed that holding public office does not shield anyone from investigations where credible allegations of hate speech or ethnic incitement arise.

“We exercise our investigative and enforcement functions independently,” NCIC said, adding that its decisions are guided by the law and evidence.

The Commission, however, reminded the public that all individuals under investigation remain innocent until proven guilty.

NCIC Warns Against Collective Blame

NCIC also warned Kenyans against blaming entire communities for alleged offences committed by individuals.

The Commission said criminal responsibility is personal and should not be extended to an individual’s ethnic, religious or regional community.

“Crime is committed individually and is a personal responsibility,” NCIC said.

It added that it would continue to guard against narratives that seek to assign collective guilt based on ethnicity, religion or region.

The Commission also called on other law enforcement agencies to treat the cases seriously and pledged to pursue investigations “without fear or favour.”

NCIC and IRCK said Kenya has demonstrated resilience by bringing together communities from different backgrounds, but warned that the country risks losing ground if political intolerance continues to grow.

They said political language is increasingly being used to dehumanise opponents and portray entire communities as enemies.

“Hate speech is not free speech; it is an assault on human dignity and on the constitutional order that binds this nation together,” the two institutions said.

They warned that ethnic contempt and the portrayal of communities as threats could undermine peace and national unity.

The organisations said Kenya has experienced the consequences of political and ethnic tensions in the past and should not repeat the same mistakes.

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Faith Leaders Back NCIC’s Mandate

The meeting also allowed IRCK to convey goodwill messages from Kenya’s faith communities to the newly appointed NCIC Chairman, Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae, and the Commission’s other members.

Faith leaders expressed confidence in NCIC’s mandate and called for firm and impartial action against hate speech, ethnic mobilisation, political incitement and the misuse of social media.

The two institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Their plans include improving real-time monitoring and early-warning systems for hate speech, promoting responsible media reporting and developing peace pledges and guidelines for political rallies.

They also plan to revitalise the UWIANO Platform for Peace, expand county-level interfaith networks and support civic education and community peace initiatives.

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NCIC and IRCK Plan Joint Peace Efforts

The organisations will also conduct joint advocacy meetings, hold regular media briefings on emerging cohesion concerns and develop common peace messages for places of worship.

They further plan to establish national and county-level mediation teams and peace clubs in learning institutions sponsored by religious organisations.

The partnership will also seek to strengthen NCIC’s capacity to respond to toxic public discourse and other threats to national cohesion.

NCIC and IRCK called on political leaders to pursue political competition without undermining the dignity and safety of other Kenyans.

“To our political leaders: the pursuit of power must never come at the cost of our shared humanity,” they said.

The two institutions also urged political actors not to recruit or use goons during political engagements.

They called on young people to avoid being used to spread division through their voices, social media accounts or political activities.

Citizens were also urged to report hate speech, avoid sharing inflammatory content and refuse to amplify messages that could deepen ethnic or political divisions.

Faith leaders were asked to continue using churches, mosques, temples and shrines as platforms for peace and healing rather than political division.

Call for Peace Ahead of 2027

NCIC and IRCK said Kenya’s unity remains non-negotiable and called for early and coordinated action to prevent violence during the 2027 election period.

They urged political leaders, aspirants, media practitioners, citizens and other stakeholders to reject hate speech, ethnic profiling and violence.

The two institutions instead called for greater focus on development, justice and shared prosperity as the country prepares for the next General Election.

“Proactive, coordinated, and courageous action now will significantly reduce the risk of violence,” they said.

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NCIC Joint Statement on Hate Speech from Political Leaders
PHOTO/NCIC