Official Summons Issued Over Incitement Allegations
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has formally summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over statements under investigation for potential violations regarding hate speech, ethnic profiling, and incitement.
Citizen Digital
In a summons dated August 18, 2026, signed by NCIC Commission Secretary Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti, the former Deputy President was directed to appear in person at the commission’s offices at Britam Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
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As reported by Capital FM, the commission cautioned that failure to attend the scheduled session in person could lead to the issuance of a warrant of arrest alongside criminal or contempt proceedings.
Capital FM Africa
Public Forums Cited Under Probe
The commission cited specific remarks made during Gachagua’s political tours across multiple regions:
Citizen Digital
+————————————————————————-+
| NCIC SUMMONS INCIDENT SUMMARY |
+————————————————————————-+
| LOCATION / DATE | INVESTIGATED REMARKS |
+———————–+————————————————-+
| Kisii County | Remarks targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Jhanda |
| (Feb 23, 2026) | regarding local support base and ethnic origin |
+———————–+————————————————-+
| Vihiga County | Public statements at Luanda rally referencing |
| (June 12, 2026) | political opponents using profiling language |
+———————–+————————————————-+
| Meru County | Proverbial phrases including “tuta ua nyoka |
| (July 25–28, 2026) | pamoja na mayai” regarding political rivals |
+———————–+————————————————-+
1. Gusii Stadium, Kisii County
According to coverage by Citizen Digital, the summons highlighted statements targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda. Gachagua allegedly questioned the lawmaker’s presence and regional standing relative to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Citizen Digital
2. Luanda, Vihiga County
Dawan Africa
The commission pointed to remarks made during a public rally on June 12, 2026, where Gachagua allegedly referred to political rivals using language currently being examined under Sections 27, 29, and 63C of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Dawan Africa
3. Meru County Tour
The NCIC noted statements made during a multi-day tour of Meru County, where Gachagua utilized phrases such as “tuta ua nyoka pamoja na mayai”. While Gachagua previously clarified that his words were metaphorical and referred to removing political opponents through the ballot, the NCIC is evaluating the potential impact of such language on public order and national cohesion.
Citizen Digital
Legal Context and Enforcement Measures
Investigative Workflow:
[NCIC Field Monitoring] ➔ [Issuance of Summons] ➔ [In-Person Appearance Aug 27]
As detailed in The Star, the summons comes amid heightened regulatory surveillance led by NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Omae. The commission reiterated that constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of speech do not extend to incitement to violence, ethnic profiling, or public disorder.
