NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what it termed as “reckless and inciteful” remarks, after he likened the 2007/2008 post-election violence to a “Christmas party”.
In a statement issued on May 21 2025, NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia said Gachagua’s comments dishonour the memory of victims and pose a serious threat to national cohesion.
The Commission has vowed to hold him accountable and warned other leaders making similarly inflammatory statements that they too will face consequences.
“There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period,” said Kobia. “To trivialise such a profound national tragedy is to dishonour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors.”
Press Statement SAFEGUARDING THE SOUL OF THE NATION: REJECT HATESPEECH, DIVISION, AND POLITICS OF ETHNICITY.
Gachagua made the remarks during an interview on Obinna TV on May 16.
Warning of potential unrest during the 2027 elections, he stated: “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.”
The comments have sparked widespread outrage, with religious leaders, human rights groups, and fellow politicians calling for legal action and greater accountability.
Critics say the remarks fuel ethnic tensions and risk reversing gains made in reconciliation and peacebuilding since the 2007 crisis.
Gachagua has since defended himself, claiming his comments were taken out of context.
“I did not say there will be violence in Kenya,” he said in a follow-up statement. “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.”
But the NCIC insists such rhetoric is dangerous. “Words have power—they can heal or harm, build or break,” said the Commission, adding that it is working with relevant agencies to take action.
In the same interview, Gachagua also accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of bias and warned against alleged plans to manipulate the 2027 polls.
The NCIC said it is closely monitoring such statements, warning the political class to avoid incitement as the country moves towards a high-stakes election cycle.
“Kenya needs leaders who unify, not divide; who speak with empathy and respect, not with carelessness and contempt,” the Commission said.
The 2007/2008 post-election violence followed the disputed re-election of President Mwai Kibaki, leaving more than 1,100 people dead and displacing over 600,000 others.
It remains one of the most traumatic periods in Kenya’s history.
