The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has clarified that it will not initiate investigations based solely on social media content such as TikTok clips. Instead, the commission requires formal complaints lodged under legal protocols before acting on alleged hate speech or incitement cases.

Addressing the media, NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae underscored the importance of following established procedures. He noted the challenges in verifying social media content, including the possibility of artificial intelligence-generated clips, which complicates the commission’s ability to act without formal complaints.

"Before we carry out any investigation, it is important for Kenyans to know there has to be complaints. You don't begin to act on TikTok clips," Dr. Nyamweya said.

High-Profile Individuals Under Scrutiny

The commission revealed that formal complaints have led to investigations involving ten prominent Kenyans. Among those under review are former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale and Geoffrey Rukunga, as well as several county leaders and members of parliament.

  • Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
  • Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale
  • Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Rukunga
  • Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma
  • Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud
  • Sirisia MP John Waluke
  • Others including Wanjiku Muhia, David Gikaria, Tipape Naini Musa, and Dr. Dennis Adison Ouma

The commission’s Investigations and Compliance Department is actively probing remarks attributed to these individuals, emphasizing that no one is exempt from the law. NCIC also called on political leaders to avoid inciting violence or deploying thugs during campaigns, urging a commitment to political decorum as the 2027 General Election approaches.

Gachagua Responds to Probe

In response to the investigations, Rigathi Gachagua challenged the NCIC to formally summon him over his "killing the snake and its eggs" remarks. He defended his comments as figurative language aimed at removing President William Ruto and his supporters through the ballot box, not literal incitement.

"We do not engage in hate speech; we use figurative language because we are students of literature. To kill the snake means to vote out William Ruto, and to kill the eggs means to vote out all his followers," Gachagua explained during an event in Meru.