Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s remarks on the Mt Kenya community, accusing the government of using state institutions to divert attention from public anger over the comments.
Gachagua claimed that Duale, whom he accused of acting on behalf of President William Ruto, had launched a “scathing attack” on people from the Mt Kenya region by referring to them as “hyenas.”
Gachagua argued that Duale’s comments were not an isolated incident but part of what he described as a pattern of remarks targeting the Mt Kenya community.
Gachagua argued that Duale’s comments were not an isolated incident but part of what he described as a pattern of remarks targeting the Mt Kenya community.
“Mr. Aden Duale, sent by his master William Ruto, made a scathing attack on the people from Mt. Kenya, calling them hyenas. This, however, isn't the first time he has done so, but this time he flew too far, too high near the sun and his feathers have melted,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president also addressed Duale’s response after he was summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over the remarks.
Duale had questioned why Gachagua was not also summoned over alleged tribal remarks and hate speech.
Gachagua dismissed Duale’s argument, saying it was an attempt to shift focus from the backlash surrounding the Cabinet Secretary’s comments.
“Mr. Duale's remarks have caused outrage in the country and backfired so badly that they have become a political disadvantage,” he said.
The former deputy president further accused the NCIC of being influenced by the government after reports emerged that it would examine complaints involving his own remarks.
“It is clear that the NCIC is an appendage of the Government and not the independent commission that it ought to be; as such, it should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” Gachagua stated.
His comments come amid renewed debate over ethnic rhetoric in Kenyan politics, with leaders across different regions calling for accountability among public officials.
The NCIC has previously maintained that it investigates complaints of hate speech and ethnic incitement without political bias.
Gachagua defended his own public statements, insisting that his criticism of President Ruto’s administration and its officials was based on facts.
“My remarks to the country, as always, are truthful, factual and authentic; if, in any way, anyone is aggrieved, which is rare, I invite them to file suit in the courts of law,” he said.
He vowed to continue challenging the government despite possible investigations, saying the people of Kenya had a right to what he termed “the truth.”
“I shall continue calling out Mr. William Ruto and his surrogates; a compromised NCIC will not stop me, not even for a minute,” Gachagua added.