Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has defended his recent political remarks after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) named him among leaders under investigation over alleged divisive statements.
Speaking in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, as he concluded the third and final day of his county tour, Gachagua dismissed the allegations, insisting that his political messaging had been misunderstood.
The former Deputy President maintained that his remarks were expressed through figurative language and were not intended to incite hatred or violence.
We speak in proverbs, we speak in symbolism and figurative language for effective communication,. The mountain understands what we mean.
Gachagua
His remarks come after the NCIC announced it was investigating several political leaders over statements deemed capable of promoting hate speech and ethnic division ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said he was ready to respond to any questions from the commission to allay fears that his remarks posed a threat to national cohesion, insisting that references such as “killing the snake and its eggs” were political metaphors referring to defeating President William Ruto and his allies through the ballot, not calls for violence.
The DCP leader also weighed in on claims that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was being sidelined within the Kenya Kwanza administration. Gachagua claimed he had previously warned Kindiki about what awaited him in government, suggesting his successor was now experiencing the same political challenges he had faced.
The NCIC has maintained that it will investigate all leaders whose public remarks are suspected of undermining national cohesion, regardless of their political affiliation.
