The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has forwarded its investigation file on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), as authorities prepare for possible legal action over alleged hate speech.
NCIC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Giti confirmed the development amid growing criticism from the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities.
Lawmakers faulted the commission for not acting decisively against politically linked gangs and the rise of hate speech as Kenya enters a tense political season.
The probe follows controversial remarks Gachagua made during a Sunday service at AIPCA Kiratina Church in Kiambu County in January. During the address, he reportedly linked Kenyan businesses and members of the Somali community to a fraud scandal in Minnesota, United States.
The complaint was filed by MMA Advocates on behalf of Business Bay Square (BBS Mall) owners in Eastleigh. It calls on NCIC to investigate, censure, and, where necessary, prosecute Gachagua for statements that could undermine national unity.
The committee also expressed concern over county peace committees, with chairman Adan Haji noting that entrenched leadership in some counties has turned these bodies into sources of conflict.
“Leaders of some of the peace committees have stayed in office for more than 10 years, turning out to be the engineers of conflicts,” Haji said, emphasizing the need for capacity building to improve their effectiveness.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge added: “NCIC has normalised political gangs, insults, and hate speeches during public rallies across the country.”
Haji further warned of escalating violence as political activity intensifies. “As the political heat is picking up, we are witnessing scary incidents of political gangs attacking rivals in rallies. This is a bad precedent,” he said.
Nominated MP Joseph Iraya urged urgent action to prevent a regression in national cohesion. “If urgent action is not taken we will go back to the dark days because of bad politics. The Commission needs to stamp its authority,” he said.
In response, Giti defended NCIC’s performance, noting ongoing collaboration with security agencies to hold offenders accountable. He also called on political leaders to serve as ambassadors of peace and outlined plans to operationalize regional NCIC offices to improve monitoring and enforcement across the country.
