Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified that his recent remarks about dealing with leaders who support the Ruto regime were made in figurative language and should not be interpreted as hate speech.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 28, in Meru County, Gachagua explained that his message, “Kuua Nyoka na Mayai,” was meant figuratively to signify that any leader supporting the Ruto administration will be removed from office by Kenyan voters at the ballot box.
“Yesterday I made some remarks, and I have now seen that CS Murkomen has directed the NCIC to ask why we are saying that. I, however, want to tell the commission that we use figurative language because we are literature students,” Gachagua said.
The DCP party leader urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission NCIC not to flag his statement as hate speech.
Gachagua asked the commission to instead seek clarification from him directly if needed over the remarks.
“So for the NCIC, if you want an explanation, you should write to me so that I can respond accordingly, that we speak in figurative language,” the former Deputy President added.
This comes after NCIC announced it is investigating utterances attributed to Gachagua and Health CS Aden Duale and 8 other politicians.
The commission said the investigations are being conducted independently under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, adding that those named remain innocent until proven guilty.
”These investigations are being undertaken strictly in accordance with due process and the law. No individual, regardless of office or standing, is beyond the reach of the law where credible allegations of hate speech or ethnic incitement arise,” the commission said.
The other individuals also under investigation include: Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and David Gikaria of Nakuru Town East.
