NAIROBI, Kenya—Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia has appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over remarks he allegedly made during a political rally in Nyeri County.
Kaguchia appeared before the Commission on Monday accompanied by his lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, as the NCIC continues investigations into the remarks.
The legislator maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen and said he would allow the legal process to take its course, but accused the government of applying the law selectively in cases involving alleged hate speech.
Kaguchia claimed that some leaders allied to the government had made inflammatory remarks but had neither been arrested nor summoned by the NCIC.
“The law must be applied objectively and fairly to all Kenyans. I feel that too much attention has been given to Kaguchia whereas we all know what is happening in the country,” he said.
NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae, however, called on political leaders to tone down their rhetoric as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
“When it comes to hate speech, it has no place in Kenya. Let us all be peace ambassadors in all our engagements. We have a shared responsibility to do that,” Omae said.
He urged politicians and members of the public to avoid narratives that could divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.
The NCIC appearance comes as Kaguchia faces a separate criminal case over remarks he allegedly made at a public rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, on August 1.
The MP was arrested on August 3 at Citizen TV studios and charged with offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace.
During the rally, Kaguchia allegedly warned residents of the Mt Kenya region against voting for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Prosecution allegations state that Kaguchia, speaking in Kikuyu, said those who voted for President Ruto would be tracked to their homes and “smoked out.”
His lawyers have challenged the charge, arguing that the charge sheet is fundamentally defective and does not disclose an offence. They have also argued that it fails to identify the alleged victims or clearly state who the complainants are.
The NCIC intervention comes at a politically sensitive time, with parties and political leaders already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election and concerns growing over inflammatory political rhetoric.
