Human Rights Activist Warns Opposition Leaders Over Inflammatory Claims Against President

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has issued a strong warning to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several opposition leaders, urging them to stop what he described as reckless, inflammatory, and unsubstantiated attacks against President William Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Internal Security.

Speaking in Eldoret on Tuesday, Kipkorir Ngetich condemned recent public statements linking the President to the alleged attack involving the Deputy President, terming the claims criminal, irresponsible, and dangerous to national cohesion.

“The incident that occurred was criminal in nature and must be handled strictly through lawful investigations in a democratic society,” Ngetich said. “Those responsible should face the law. However, publicly accusing the Head of State of planning an assassination, without evidence, is not only false but a dangerous abuse of democratic space.”

Ngetich expressed concern that some opposition leaders are exploiting ethnic narratives and historical grievances to mobilize political support, a move he warned could fuel inter-community tension. He rejected claims that the President and the Internal Security Minister were targeted because of their Kalenjin background, describing such allegations as rooted in tribal hatred rather than facts.

“No leader in their right mind, vested with constitutional authority, would plan and execute an open assassination in full public view,” he stated. “Such claims insult the intelligence of Kenyans and undermine national stability.”

The activist also criticized what he termed as selective historical narratives being used in political campaigns, including references to past post-election violence, while allegedly ignoring other atrocities committed in different regions.

Ngetich called on Deputy President Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and other opposition figures to record statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) if they possess credible evidence to support their allegations.

“If there are facts, let them be presented to investigators. Public rallies and press conferences are not substitutes for lawful processes,” he said.

He described the recent incident in Othaya as unfortunate but welcomed the swift response by the police, noting that investigations were ongoing and should be allowed to proceed without political interference.

While acknowledging former Justice Minister Martha Karua as a long-standing reformist, Ngetich accused other opposition leaders of opportunism and power-driven politics, warning that their conduct threatens peace and stability.

He urged supporters of the ruling party and the wider Kenyan public to reject divisive rhetoric and called on political leaders across the divide to exercise restraint.

“Kenya cannot afford leaders who build political capital through suspicion, ethnicity, and hatred,” he said. “The President remains a symbol of unity, and democratic tolerance has limits when national peace is at stake.”

Ngetich concluded by calling for responsible leadership ahead of future elections, cautioning that reckless speech could plunge the country into unnecessary conflict.