Gachagua Planning Assisination Against His Colleagues in the Opposition-Activist Kipkorir Ngetich

An Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich, speaking under the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, has raised concerns over what he describes as increasingly sensitive political statements in the country, calling on security agencies to urgently review remarks he believes could heighten political tension and threaten national cohesion.

The activist said he had taken issue with recent comments allegedly made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, particularly those involving advice directed at ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna regarding caution in the use of helicopters due to what was described in political discourse as potential security risks.

Ngetich termed the remarks “dangerous and reckless,” arguing that they require immediate attention from national security institutions to determine their intent, context, and possible implications in an already politically charged environment.

Speaking in Eldoret, the activist said Kenya’s security leadership—including the Ministry of Interior, the National Intelligence Service, the Inspector General of Police, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations—must treat such statements with urgency and ensure that any communication by political leaders that may be interpreted as threatening or inflammatory is properly assessed.

He warned that failure to address such political rhetoric could create unnecessary fear among citizens and political actors, potentially fueling mistrust at a time when the country is navigating heightened political competition.

According to Ngetich, political discourse in recent months has become increasingly polarized, with competing narratives between government-aligned and opposition figures contributing to rising tensions in the public space.

He further alleged that continued exchanges of accusations among political leaders risk undermining democratic stability and could negatively affect national unity if not carefully managed through institutional channels.

The activist also urged opposition politicians to remain alert and cautious in their engagements, saying political competition should never cross into language that may be interpreted as intimidation or threat.

He emphasized that civil society organizations are not assigning guilt or criminal liability to any individual, but are instead calling for preventive oversight to ensure that political communication remains within constitutional and legal boundaries.

Ngetich further called on security agencies to engage political actors where necessary to clarify contentious remarks and to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into broader political disputes.

He added that Kenya’s democratic space depends on responsible leadership and measured communication, noting that inflammatory language often spreads quickly through media and social platforms, amplifying tensions beyond the original context.

The activist also expressed concern over what he termed “repeated cycles of political blame and counter-blame,” saying such patterns risk eroding public trust in institutions tasked with maintaining peace and order.

He urged leaders across the political divide to prioritize national stability, cautioning that citizens are increasingly concerned about the tone of political conversations as the country moves closer to future electoral cycles.

According to him, Kenya has a responsibility to ensure that political competition remains peaceful, constitutional, and focused on policy issues rather than personal attacks or statements that may be interpreted as threatening.

He also appealed to the media and digital platforms to exercise responsibility in reporting political statements, warning that misinterpretation or sensational coverage could worsen existing tensions.

At the same time, Ngetich called on citizens to avoid spreading unverified claims or interpretations that could inflame public sentiment, stressing the importance of allowing formal institutions to handle matters raised by civil society.

He further noted that in past political periods, heightened rhetoric has contributed to national anxiety, urging leaders to learn from history and prioritize unity and peaceful coexistence.

Security agencies have not yet issued any formal response to the concerns raised by the activist.

The statement comes at a time when political activity in the country is steadily increasing, with leaders from different parties engaging in early positioning, public exchanges, and intensified messaging ahead of the next political cycle.

Observers say the growing intensity of political communication has placed greater responsibility on leaders, civil society, and institutions to ensure that public discourse does not escalate into fear, division, or instability.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy says it will continue monitoring political statements and urging dialogue, restraint, and adherence to constitutional principles in political engagement.