NCIC vows action against Gachagua over 2007/2008 post-election violence remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has vowed to hold Rigathi Gachagua accountable for what it describes as reckless and inciteful remarks, after he referred to the 2007/2008 post-election violence as a “Christmas party”.

The Commission said the former Deputy President’s comments were dangerously insensitive and a serious threat to national unity, warning other leaders who have made similar utterances that they too will face consequences.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia expressed deep concern over Gachagua’s remarks, saying they dishonour the memory of the victims and ignore the pain endured by thousands of Kenyans during one of the country’s darkest periods.

“There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period. To trivialise such a profound national tragedy is to dishonour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors,” Kobia said.

Gachagua made the remarks during an interview on Obinna TV on May 16, where he warned that the 2027 General Election could trigger worse violence than the 2007 crisis if it is mismanaged.

“With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” he said during the interview.

Gachagua’s remarks have since attracted criticism from several leaders.

Gachagua, however, clarified, saying that his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

He said that he did not predict or call for violence ahead of the 2027 elections but was simply expressing concerns about potential unrest should the electoral process be mishandled by the IEBC.

“I did not say there will be violence in Kenya. I said that Kenyans don’t want Ruto to rig the 2027 General Election. I have also pleaded with the IEBC to remain patriotic because history has shown us what can happen when elections are contested,” Gachagua said.

Kobia went on to accuse the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of bias, warning against any attempts to influence the next election outcome.

“I want to tell those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work. The people of Kenya will not accept it. People want change, and they are ready for change.”

NCIC said such rhetoric undermines the progress the country has made in healing from political violence and promoting national cohesion.

“Such rhetoric weakens the progress made towards healing, reconciliation and peacebuilding,” the commission stated.

The commission confirmed it is working with other relevant agencies to address Gachagua’s comments and take necessary action.

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It also issued a broader warning to all leaders who may be spreading hateful or inflammatory statements, urging them to exercise caution in their public and private engagements.

“We call on all leaders to exercise utmost responsibility in both their public and private statements. Words have power—they can heal or harm, build or break,” NCIC said.

It urged political leaders to focus on issue-based politics that promote unity and national interest. “Kenya needs leaders who unify, not divide; who speak with empathy and respect, not with carelessness and contempt,” the Commission added.

The 2007/2008 post-election violence erupted after the disputed re-election of former President Mwai Kibaki, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands of Kenyans.