Mombasa religious leaders slam Gachagua over 'inflammatory' remarks, call for legal action
Gachagua came under fire following a controversial statement where he warned that the country could descend into violence “worse than 2007” if electoral malpractices are repeated in future polls.
Religious leaders in Mombasa have strongly rebuked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks they say risk inciting violence and undermining national stability, particularly as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua came under fire following a controversial statement where he warned that the country could descend into violence “worse than 2007” if electoral malpractices are repeated in future polls.
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His comments have triggered widespread condemnation, with faith-based organisations warning that such utterances are not only reckless but also a threat to the peace and unity of the nation.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) said the former Deputy President had crossed a dangerous line and must be held to account.
“Suggesting that Kenya could ‘burn to ashes’ is not just a matter of political hyperbole; it is a deliberate provocation that puts millions of lives at risk,” said Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy, SUPKEM’s Deputy National Chairperson.
The council described the remarks as inflammatory and warned that they went beyond the boundaries of democratic expression. “We must be very clear that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to threaten public peace or incite violence,” added Sheikh Muhdhar.
SUPKEM called upon security agencies, including the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), to take immediate action.
The council emphasised that incitement, regardless of the source, should never be tolerated or normalised. “No Kenyan, however powerful or prominent, is above the law. We must set a firm precedent that such irresponsible behaviour will not be entertained in a democratic society,” said Khamis Mwaguzo, the SUPKEM Chair for Mombasa County
Members of the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders (PPRL), led by its Chairperson Sheikh Abu Qatada, described Gachagua’s remarks as “a shameful exploitation of national wounds for political gain.”
Members of the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders (PPRL), led by its Chairperson Sheikh Abu Qatada addressing the press in Mombasa County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Sheikh Abu Qatada recalled the devastation of the 2007 post-election violence, when more than 1,300 people were killed and over 600,000 were displaced across the country.
“We still bear the scars of that dark period in our history. Churches were torched, homes were destroyed, and innocent lives were lost. To casually compare future elections to that painful chapter is not only irresponsible but deeply disrespectful to the victims and their families,” he said.
The religious leaders warned against the use of fear as a political weapon, stating that such tactics were both immoral and dangerous. “It is a great disgrace for a former holder of the second-highest office in the land to utter such words. Politicians must stop playing with fire,” said Sheikh Abu.
They also expressed concern over the growing trend of political leaders undermining constitutional institutions, especially the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
PPRL warned that casting doubt on the credibility of public institutions could erode public trust and stir unnecessary tension ahead of the next elections.
“Elections must not be turned into battlegrounds. Political competition should be about ideas, not threats. We call on all leaders to respect the IEBC and other national institutions tasked with safeguarding our democracy,” he said.
Both SUPKEM and PPRL reaffirmed their commitment to promoting unity and urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics. They appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and to stand against leaders who use inflammatory rhetoric to fuel personal ambitions.
“Kenya belongs to all of us, and no single politician is worth shedding blood for. We must draw the line between genuine political discourse and dangerous incitement,” said Sheikh Khamis.
The clerics concluded by calling on the government to enforce the rule of law without favour, warning that allowing such statements to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent.
They stressed the importance of upholding peace, fostering national dialogue, and promoting responsible leadership as the country approaches another critical electoral period.
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