Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) of political bias and selective enforcement following its decision to censure him over remarks suggesting potential unrest in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua, who served as Kenya’s Deputy President until his impeachment in October 2024, has come under fire for claiming that the next election could trigger violence comparable to or worse than the 2007–2008 post-election crisis if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fails to conduct a credible poll.
“There will be no country here. 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” he warned during a public rally.
In response, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia described Gachagua’s statement as inciteful and confirmed that the commission would hold him accountable. However, Gachagua’s legal team has defended the comments as being grounded in historical context and warned against suppressing free speech, referencing Article 33 of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression.
Further, Gachagua has accused NCIC of turning a blind eye to similarly provocative remarks made by close allies of President William Ruto. He named Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Tiaty MP William Kamket, and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, accusing them of publicly vowing to rig the 2027 elections in favor of Ruto—some allegedly in his presence without rebuke.
“Our client notes that these statements have fueled widespread public concern about the integrity of the forthcoming polls,” read the statement. “That the President did not rebuke these utterances gives credence to suspicions of a rigging plot.”
Gachagua’s legal team went further, accusing the commission of institutional bias by failing to act against other leaders including Daadab MP Farah Maalim, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) board member Khelef Khalifa, who have made inflammatory remarks promoting ethnic prejudice.
While these individuals were reportedly summoned, Gachagua says NCIC’s failure to follow through undermines its credibility.
He now demands an official response from NCIC affirming its commitment to impartiality and fairness, warning that uneven application of its mandate risks eroding public trust in the institution.
Gachagua, who resigned from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) earlier this month, is preparing to unveil a new political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), ahead of the 2027 elections.
His growing criticism of the Ruto administration and his move to position himself as an independent political force signal a deepening rift within Kenya’s ruling class and could set the stage for a dramatic realignment heading into the next electoral cycle.
