Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is not yet off the hook if a stance by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is anything to go by. The Commission has blasted former DP following his remarks over the 2007/08 post-election violence which he referred to as a “Christmas party”.
NCIC in a statement on May 21 while terming Gachagua’s remarks as negligent said that it is working with relevant authorities to hold the former DP responsible for his utterances.
The commission reflected on the current state of peace and cohesion in the country, adding that it must speak frankly about the serious challenges before us-rising political polarization, ethnic tensions, insecurity, and the growing sense of marginalization felt in some communities.
NCIC to take action on Gachagua’s ‘2007 Christmas party’ remarks
Further, NCIC said there is nothing festive about the period that was marked by deaths, devastation and displacements, warning that trivializing the post-election violence, which led to over 1000 deaths, was insensitive to the victims’ memories and resilience of survivors.
“Certainly, these thoughts are not only appalling but dangerously insensitive to the pain, loss, and trauma suffered by thousands of Kenyans during one of the darkest chapters in our history,” read part of the statement.
“To trivialize such a profound national tragedy is to dishonour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors. Such rhetoric weakens the progress made towards healing, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
The Commission is working closely with other relevant agencies to hold Hon Rigathi Gachagua responsible for these reckless utterances.”
The commission also extended warning to other leaders, who have in the past been peddling hateful and inciteful utterances urging them to exercise utmost responsibility in both public and private statements.
“We urge all leaders to rise above divisive politics and commit to issue-based engagement that puts the interests of the nation above personal or ethnic agendas,” the commission added.
Also, NCIC welcomed support and commended President William Ruto “for his unequivocal public pronouncement that abductions and extrajudicial killings will no longer be tolerated in Kenya”.
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Extrajudicial killings and abductions
The commission however urged the government to release findings from past investigations into enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings to the public and establish independent inquiries into unresolved cases, with the active participation of human rights bodies and civil society organizations.
NCIC also called for prosecution of perpetrators-regardless of rank or position-through a fair and impartial judicial process, application of restorative justice mechanisms including compensation and psychological support for victims and affected families, and comprehensive institutional reforms within security agencies to entrench accountability, professionalism, and a human right-based approach to policing.
“We further call upon Parliament and the Judiciary to work in synergy with the Executive to ensure that human rights are upheld and impunity is decisively rejected at all levels of governance. The fight against extrajudicial practices is not just about delivering justice; it is about affirming the inherent worth of every Kenyan life and building a society grounded in dignity and equality before the law,” the statement adds.
Also Read: Kindiki Responds to Gachagua’s Post-election Chaos Remarks
The statement by NCIC comes after Gachagua made during a live interview stated that should the upcoming elections be rigged, the chaos that will follow will make the 2007 post-election look like “a Christmas party”.
Gachagua defends himself
Following an uproar from Kenyans including politicians, the former second in command defended himself arguing that his remarks were not an incitement but a caution to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
While speaking during a press conference at his Karen home on Monday, he indicated that his remarks were meant to spur the electoral body to deliver credible 2027 elections.
He stated that it was based on historical facts and past electoral experiences of 1992, 1997 and 2007 controversial elections.
“About my statement on the post-election violence, this was a precautionary statement and not incitement. It is based on historical facts and past electoral experiences of 1992, 1997 and 2007 controversial elections that we must have a free and fair election in 2027,” Gachagua stated.
He further dared the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest him at his Wamunyoro home if he is accused of any wrongdoing ‘punishable by law’.
While stating that he has not received any summons so far, the former DP stated that he will not be cowed or intimidated by the use of the criminal justice system.
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