The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has refuted widespread social media claims that it summoned Democracy for Citizens party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged inflammatory remarks.
The commission clarified that no administrative or legal action has been taken against Gachagua, despite numerous public petitions and formal complaints calling for its intervention.
The controversy stems from remarks Gachagua allegedly made on January 4, 2026, during a church service in Kiambu County. He reportedly linked Kenyan businesses and members of the Somali community to a fraud scandal in Minnesota, United States.
Specifically, Gachagua claimed that funds stolen in the U.S. were brought to Kenya and used to construct commercial properties, including a mall in Eastleigh.
Owners of Business Bay Square (BBS Mall) in Eastleigh, represented by MMA Advocates, lodged a formal complaint with the NCIC, arguing that Gachagua’s statements implicitly targeted their mall and, by extension, the Somali community, without evidence.
The complaint asserts that such remarks stigmatize law-abiding citizens, damage lawful businesses, and undermine national cohesion, violating the National Cohesion and Integration Act which criminalizes speech intended to stir ethnic hatred.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan also urged the NCIC to investigate Gachagua, demanding a retraction and public apology.
While denying a summons had been issued, the NCIC has not yet commented on whether Gachagua’s remarks could amount to hate speech or warrant further investigation, leaving the door open for possible future action.
This comes amidst past instances where Gachagua reportedly failed to honor NCIC summonses regarding alleged hate speech.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has since expressed solidarity with the Somali community, countering the divisive claims.
