Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has formally petitioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for remarks that allegedly amount to ethnic profiling and threaten national unity.
In a letter dated July 27, 2026, addressed to the NCIC Chairman, Cherargei expressed concern over Gachagua’s public statements, particularly those targeting members of the Kalenjin community. He argued that these statements, made during political rallies, media interviews, and other public forums, risk undermining peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s diverse ethnic groups.
The senator’s complaint includes evidence such as video recordings and transcripts of Gachagua’s speeches, notably one following the alleged abduction of a Member of Parliament. Cherargei alleges that in this address, Gachagua claimed certain government officials from the Kalenjin community had formed a special police unit aimed at targeting political opponents. According to Cherargei, Gachagua specifically identified a 20-officer squad drawn from the Nandi sub-community operating under police command.
While these allegations remain unverified by the NCIC or courts, Cherargei maintains that publicly associating an ethnic group with criminal activities fosters ethnic suspicion and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
He emphasized that the role of NCIC is to independently assess whether Gachagua’s remarks constitute hate speech or ethnic incitement, as prohibited under Article 33 of the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act. The senator further linked the complaint to what he described as a broader pattern of divisive rhetoric by Gachagua concerning the Kalenjin community, including references to sensitive historical events like the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Cherargei urged institutions promoting national unity to act decisively against statements that could inflame ethnic tensions. He requested the NCIC to verify the original materials, determine any legal violations, and take appropriate action, including prosecution if warranted.
