Health CS Aden Duale with DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua./FILE
NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae/HANDOUT
The NCIC is conducting independent investigations into utterances attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Health CS Aden Duale and 8 others.
NCIC is investigating their recent past utterances and is also seeking to establish if the utterances border on hate speech or ethnic incitement.
The commission, in a joint statement with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) on Tuesday, also said utterances by Cabinet Secretaries Geoffrey Ruku; Busia Governor Paul Otuoma; Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud; Sirisia MP John Waluke; MPs Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri) and David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East); Tipape Naini Musa (social media commentator); and Dennis Adison Ouma are also under investigation.
NCIC 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 commission expressed concern over what it described as a worrying increase in inflammatory political rhetoric, ethnic mobilisation and cyber harassment, warning that the trend threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence.
"Hate speech is not free speech; it is an assault on human dignity and on the constitutional order that binds this nation together," NCIC and IRCK said.
The two institutions urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances and avoid language that could incite violence or deepen ethnic divisions. They also condemned the mobilisation of goons during political gatherings, saying such actions undermine democracy and public safety.
To address the growing tensions, NCIC and IRCK said they would strengthen real-time monitoring of hate speech, revive the Uwiano Platform for Peace, establish county and national mediation teams, promote conflict-sensitive reporting by the media, and roll out civic education through faith-based organisations.
The commission also appealed to young people to resist being used to spread divisive messages online.
"Do not let anyone recruit your voice, your keyboard or your energy into the work of division. Your future depends on the peace you choose to build today," the statement said.
NCIC called on all Kenyans to reject hate speech, ethnic profiling and political intolerance, saying safeguarding national cohesion is a shared responsibility as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.
