The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has launched independent investigations into recent statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, and eight other public figures. The probe aims to determine whether these utterances amount to hate speech or ethnic incitement.

In a joint statement issued with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) on Tuesday, NCIC named several other individuals under scrutiny, including 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.

The commission stressed that the investigations are being conducted in line with the National Cohesion and Integration Act and emphasized that all those named are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

NCIC and IRCK expressed serious concern over an observed rise in inflammatory political rhetoric, ethnic mobilisation, and cyber harassment, which they warned threaten Kenya’s national unity and peaceful coexistence.

They stated, "Hate speech is not free speech; it is an assault on human dignity and the constitutional order that binds this nation together." Both bodies urged political leaders to exercise restraint and avoid language that could incite violence or deepen ethnic divisions.

The statement also condemned the use of hired thugs during political events, highlighting that such actions undermine democracy and public safety.

Measures to Curb Hate Speech

  • Strengthening real-time monitoring of hate speech
  • Reviving the Uwiano Platform for Peace
  • Establishing county and national mediation teams
  • Promoting conflict-sensitive media reporting
  • Rolling out civic education through faith-based organizations

NCIC also appealed to young people to resist being exploited to spread divisive messages online, urging them to build peace for the future.

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, NCIC called on all citizens to reject hate speech, ethnic profiling, and political intolerance, underscoring that safeguarding national cohesion is a collective responsibility.