Rift Valley Leaders Demand Prosecution of Gachagua Over 2007 Remarks
Speaking during a church service in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, the leaders accused Gachagua of inciting ethnic divisions and undermining national unity.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Daily Nation.
By Juliet Jerotich
Leaders from Rift Valley have urged the government to prosecute former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his controversial remarks linking the 2007 post-election violence to a “Christmas party.”
Speaking during a church service in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, the leaders accused Gachagua of inciting ethnic divisions and undermining national unity.
They condemned his recent media interviews where he allegedly suggested that the 2027 elections would not be free or fair.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyot led the call, stating that Gachagua constantly fuels tribal tensions across the country. “Gachagua must be prosecuted. He’s not just expressing opinions—he’s encouraging Kenyans to fight. That’s dangerous and unacceptable,” Cheruyot said.
Cheruyot added that Gachagua’s behaviour during interviews has become a pattern. “He uses every media opportunity to spread hate. If he has personal issues with the President, he should handle them privately, not drag innocent Kenyans into political gossip,” he added.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Kenya must never return to the dark days of 2007. “We’ve made progress as a country. No one should try to reverse that by reviving old wounds. Authorities must record these statements and take action,” Murkomen said.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago also criticised Gachagua, urging national leaders to avoid statements that could stir unrest. “Uasin Gishu has seen enough pain. We cannot allow anyone to bring incitement here. We want peace, not chaos,” Mandago said.
The leaders vowed to protect their communities from divisive politics and warned against turning political disagreements into ethnic conflicts. They stressed the need for accountability, saying Gachagua’s rhetoric threatens the fragile unity the country has worked hard to rebuild.
Their collective message was clear: Kenya must reject hate speech and hold leaders accountable for any remarks that endanger peace and stability.
The call for legal action comes amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 general election. Leaders emphasised that free, fair, and peaceful polls can only be achieved through responsible leadership and mutual respect.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on investigative agencies to determine whether Gachagua’s remarks warrant prosecution under incitement laws.
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