Stop Insulting and Abusing the President, Gachagua Warned

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy has cautioned a section of politicians from Central Kenya against what it terms persistent insults, abuse, and inflammatory remarks directed at President William Ruto, warning that such conduct threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence.

According to Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich, the organisation is concerned that some leaders are misusing constitutional freedoms to advance personal and ethnic political agendas at the expense of harmony among Kenyan communities.

Ngetich said Kenya is a democratic society that upholds human rights as guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution, but stressed that freedom of speech and expression must be exercised responsibly and not in a manner that incites hatred or disrespects the presidency.

He accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of engaging in reckless and provocative political rhetoric, alleging that he is using members of his community as a political shield while launching personal attacks against the President. Senator Methu was also mentioned as one of the leaders allegedly associated with such utterances.

“There is a clear limit to tolerance,” Ngetich said. “Central Kenya is not an island. Its people are spread across the country and have been welcomed and accommodated as equal Kenyan citizens. Any attempt to incite hostility between communities, particularly the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Somali, is dangerous and must stop immediately.”

Ngetich warned that repeated insults against the Head of State amount to an attack not only on President Ruto as an individual but also on the Kalenjin community and Kenyans who support his leadership. He noted that such actions could provoke anger and resentment, potentially affecting peace and political engagement nationwide.

He further observed that previous presidents, including the late Mwai Kibaki and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, were respected across communities despite political differences, and called on current leaders to uphold similar standards of decorum.

Describing the rhetoric as irresponsible and destructive, Ngetich expressed concern over its impact on the youth, saying it promotes intolerance and retrogressive tribal politics in a modern and diverse society.

"The  survival games and character  of Gachaugua is matched to Hitler and IDi Amin," he noted .

He urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to distance themselves from what he described as dangerous political narratives and called upon elders, including the Kikuyu Council of Elders, to issue cautionary statements in the interest of peace and national cohesion.

Ngetich emphasized that while human rights and freedoms must be protected, they are not exercised in a vacuum and must go hand in hand with responsibility, respect for institutions, and regard for the dignity of others.

“These are moments of great national responsibility,” he said. “Peace-loving Kenyans must reject insults, abuse, and ethnic provocation and instead choose dialogue, unity, and respect for the future of the nation.”