ARREST GACHAGUA NOW! Eldoret Activist Demands Immediate Action Over 'Inciteful' Matatu Remarks

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has called on Kenya's security agencies to immediately investigate and take legal action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he described as inflammatory remarks capable of inciting ethnic hatred and threatening national peace.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret, activist Kipkorir Ngetich strongly condemned Gachagua's recent claims alleging that President William Ruto and his son were using the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to take over the matatu business.

Ngetich termed the allegations "dangerous, reckless and divisive," saying they risk fueling mistrust among Kenyans and creating unnecessary ethnic tensions.

"The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret condemns in the strongest terms possible the former Deputy President's statements. Such allegations are not only dangerous but are capable of inciting sections of the public against the government and fellow Kenyans," Ngetich said.

According to the activist, remarks that portray government institutions or individuals through an ethnic lens have the potential to undermine national unity and create an atmosphere of hostility.

He warned that statements perceived as encouraging discrimination or resentment against particular communities could easily trigger violence if left unchecked.

"We are calling upon the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior to closely examine these utterances and take the necessary legal action before they degenerate into inter-ethnic conflict," he said.

Ngetich argued that every Kenyan, regardless of family background or political affiliation, has a constitutional right to engage in lawful business activities.

"The President's son, like any ordinary Kenyan, has the right to invest in any legal business within the Republic of Kenya. It is therefore wrong to target him or the President on the basis of their ethnic background," he stated.

He further claimed that linking government agencies such as NTSA to alleged private business interests without evidence risks eroding public confidence in state institutions.

Ngetich maintained that NTSA is an independent government agency established to regulate road transport and improve safety for all Kenyans, adding that allegations against the institution should be supported by credible evidence and handled through the appropriate legal channels.

He accused Gachagua of repeatedly making statements that, in his view, have heightened political temperatures in the country.

"The country cannot continue allowing political leaders to make statements that appear to encourage hostility among communities. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility, and leaders must exercise restraint because their words carry enormous influence," he said.

Ngetich further alleged that Kenya has enjoyed decades of peaceful coexistence among different communities involved in the transport industry and warned against introducing tribal narratives into economic activities.

He said the matatu sector has for many years brought together investors from different regions and communities, making it one of the country's most diverse industries.

"The Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities have lived and worked together peacefully for many years. No leader should attempt to create suspicion or hatred between them for political gain," he added.

The activist also challenged leaders associated with the opposition, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Fred Matiang'i, to publicly clarify whether Gachagua's remarks reflected the official position of the opposition coalition or were solely his personal views.

"We would like to know whether these statements represent the official position of the opposition leadership or whether they distance themselves from them. Kenyans deserve clarity," he said.

Ngetich urged Kenyans not to be drawn into divisive politics and instead continue promoting peaceful coexistence, national unity and respect for the rule of law.

He called on political leaders across the divide to exercise responsibility in their public statements, especially at a time when the country requires unity and stability.

"The future of Kenya depends on leaders who unite rather than divide the people. Political competition should never be allowed to degenerate into ethnic hostility or violence," he said.

He concluded by urging the government to enforce the law fairly whenever public statements are suspected of violating provisions relating to hate speech or incitement while safeguarding constitutional rights, including freedom of expression.

Efforts to obtain a response from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the allegations made by the activist were not immediately successful by the time of publication.

This version attributes the allegations to the activist, avoids presenting contested claims as fact, and includes a right-of-reply note for balanced reporting.