Kindiki warns Gachagua as Western leaders push NCIC to summon ex-DP

Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has warned his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, against inciting Kenyans.

He spoke as a section of Western region leaders demanded that Gachagua record a statement over an inflammatory poll remark.

Leaders called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon former Deputy President Gachagua and have him record a statement stating his utterances are inflammatory and risk causing violence in the 2027 polls.

Speaking in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, during a development tour, Kindiki warned leaders, especially from the opposition, to desist from rhetoric that threatens peace and instead conduct an agenda-based politics and campaign.

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"We want to tell our competitors to stop issuing inciteful statements because we will not allow such. We want our opponents to carry out agenda-based politics and campaigns, let them sell their agenda to the people and not incitement and divisive politics," said Kindiki.

Kindiki maintained that President William Ruto's government is keen on transforming the agricultural sector across the country without bias.

"We promised our people that we are going to transform our country. This administration promised to transform the agricultural sector, and indeed, we have revamped the sector by providing subsidised fertiliser, and our farmers have produced enough food," said Kindiki.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to ensure former DP Gachagua records a statement over his remarks about the 2007 general election.

"We want the NCIC to ensure Gachagua is held accountable. We cannot allow leaders to incite Kenyans when our President and others are working to unite the country," Savula said.

He emphasised that leaders must be held responsible for their words and actions.

"Those inciting Kenyans must be contained. I urge citizens to reject divisive and tribal politics. Some leaders are forming tribal based parties, Kenyans should avoid them and rally behind the broad-based government," he added.

Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala warned that unless leaders fanning divisive politics are prosecuted, the country risks becoming polarised.

“We cannot entertain individuals who aim to divide Kenyans and threaten our lives. These individuals must be held accountable for their actions,” said Adagala.

She called for unity of all communities and warned leaders against fuelling hatred among Kenyans.

On Wednesday, NCIC Chairman Reverend Samuel Kobia said Gachagua’s comparison of the 2007 post-election violence to a "Christmas party" was appalling and deeply insensitive.

"To refer to the 2007/2008 post-election violence as a 'Christmas party' is appalling and there is absolutely nothing festive about death, displacement and the trauma thousands of Kenyans still live with today,” Kobia said in a statement.

He added: "Such trivialisation shows a stark insensitivity to victims' memories and the remarkable resilience of survivors. We must never forget the over 1,000 lives lost and the widespread devastation of that period."