NCIC Probes Gachagua, Duale and Eight Others Over Alleged Hate Speech
According to the commission, the investigations are being conducted independently and in accordance with the law, emphasizing that all those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched independent investigations into former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and eight other individuals over remarks suspected to constitute hate speech or ethnic incitement.
The commission announced the investigations in a joint statement issued with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) on Tuesday, saying the probe seeks to determine whether recent public utterances made by the individuals violated the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Those under investigation include Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, social media commentator Tipape Naini Musa and Dennis Adison Ouma.
According to the commission, the investigations are being conducted independently and in accordance with the law, emphasizing that all those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“These investigations are being undertaken strictly in accordance with due process and the law. No individual, regardless of office or standing, is beyond the reach of the law where credible allegations of hate speech or ethnic incitement arise,” the NCIC said.
The commission expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of inflammatory political rhetoric, ethnic mobilisation and cyber harassment, warning that such conduct threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence.
NCIC and the Inter-Religious Council said Kenya must guard against divisive political narratives as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The two institutions warned that hate speech goes beyond the constitutional protection of freedom of expression, arguing that statements promoting ethnic hostility undermine the country’s democratic values.
“Hate speech is not free speech. It is an assault on human dignity and on the constitutional order that binds this nation together,” the joint statement said.
The commission urged political leaders across the country to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid language that could incite violence or deepen ethnic divisions.
It also condemned the use of hired groups or goons during political meetings, saying such actions pose a threat to democracy, public safety and peaceful political engagement.
To counter rising tensions, the NCIC announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening national cohesion ahead of the next General Election.
Among the interventions are enhanced real-time monitoring of hate speech, the revival of the Uwiano Platform for Peace, establishment of county and national mediation teams, promotion of conflict-sensitive reporting by the media and expanded civic education campaigns through faith-based organizations.
The commission also appealed to young people to resist being used to spread divisive messages, particularly on social media platforms.
“Do not let anyone recruit your voice, your keyboard or your energy into the work of division. Your future depends on the peace you choose to build today,” the statement read.
NCIC further called on all Kenyans to reject hate speech, ethnic profiling and political intolerance, stressing that safeguarding national unity is a shared responsibility.
The investigations come amid heightened political activity across the country as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with the commission reaffirming its commitment to enforcing the law impartially while promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities.
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