Lead image for NCIC summons Gachagua over ‘snake and eggs’ speech.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to answer questions over a series of public utterances that it says may amount to hate speech, ethnic incitement and threats to national unity.
In a formal summons dated August 18, 2026, and signed by Dr Daniel Giti, Mr Gachagua has been ordered to appear before the commission on August 27, 2026, at 2pm, failure to which he will be arrested.
Other leaders summoned by the NCIC over suspected hate speech are Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
The commission said it is acting under Sections 27, 29 and 63C, as read with Section 63E, of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which gives it the mandate to investigate conduct that undermines peaceful coexistence among communities.
According to the summons, the NCIC is focusing on speeches that Mr Gachagua, who is also the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), allegedly made at various political stops dating back to July 2026.
He has been put on notice over remarks he allegedly made in Vihiga, Kisii and Meru counties.
Attached to the summons are transcripts of the remarks, which the former deputy president is required to explain in terms of their intent, context and potential impact.
In Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12, 2026, while addressing roadside audiences, he is quoted as having told some communities that their in-laws are in Sudan.