Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on the government, security agencies and Kenyan citizens to remain alert over what he described as continued political propaganda by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret, accused the former deputy president of allegedly using inflammatory political messaging, misinformation and ethnic-based narratives that could undermine national unity, public trust and peace in the country.

The activist’s remarks come amid claims attributed to Gachagua alleging that President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi were planning to take over the Giant Farmers Milk Cooperative Society, popularly associated with New KCC.

Ngetich dismissed the allegations as false, saying they were intended to create fear among farmers and fuel political tension, especially in the Mt Kenya region.

“The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret wishes to condemn in the strongest terms possible the utterances made by the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning claims that President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi are planning to take away the Giant Farmers Milk Cooperative Society,” Ngetich said.

He maintained that the claims were not supported by facts and accused Gachagua of engaging in what he termed as deliberate political propaganda aimed at turning communities against the government.

“These are manufactured lies and propaganda from a political propagandist. Such statements are dangerous because they are designed to create fear, anger and suspicion among Kenyans,” he said.

Ngetich said the government had already demonstrated commitment towards improving the agricultural sector through policies aimed at empowering farmers, strengthening cooperatives, expanding markets and improving income for producers.

He said it was unfortunate that political leaders would allegedly use farmers’ concerns to advance political interests instead of engaging in constructive discussions on how to improve the dairy sector and other agricultural value chains.

“The President has laid down policies intended to ensure that agriculture becomes a meaningful source of income for farmers across the country. Any attempt to distort these policies for political gain is unfair to farmers and dangerous to the country,” Ngetich stated.

The activist further accused Gachagua of allegedly exploiting emotions such as fear and anger to influence public opinion, warning that such tactics could weaken national cohesion.

He argued that propaganda often works by creating imaginary threats and convincing communities that they are under attack, a strategy he said could divide citizens and make it difficult for Kenyans to engage in rational political debate.

“Dangerous political propaganda weaponises human psychology. It uses fear, anger and identity to manipulate citizens and manufacture consent. It can destroy public trust, create hostility between communities and weaken the unity of a nation,” Ngetich said.

He claimed that some political messages were increasingly portraying the Mt Kenya community as being targeted by the government, saying such narratives could create unnecessary tension between communities.

Ngetich urged leaders from all regions to avoid statements that could be interpreted as ethnic mobilisation, warning that Kenya’s political history had shown the risks of divisive rhetoric.

“The Mt Kenya community should not be made to believe that there is an imaginary government mission against them. Kenya is one country, and no community should be used as a political weapon,” he said.

The activist said Kenya must remain sensitive to the dangers of misinformation, especially at a time when political campaigns and succession debates are beginning to dominate public discourse ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He warned that unchecked propaganda could lead to deep suspicion, hostility and societal decay, particularly if political leaders continue to use vernacular media, social media platforms and public rallies to spread unverified claims.

“History has taught us that propaganda can have catastrophic consequences. When misinformation is repeatedly spread through mass media and political platforms, it can influence communities, fuel hatred and create conflict,” Ngetich said.

He said leaders must be careful not to use ethnic identity as a political tool, arguing that national leadership should be built on policies, development, accountability and respect for the Constitution.

Ngetich also called on security agencies to monitor public statements that could amount to incitement, hate speech or threats to public order, while respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.

He said freedom of expression should not be used as a shield for spreading propaganda, insults, misinformation or messages that could endanger peaceful coexistence.

“Kenya is a democratic society with a functioning Constitution and a clear Bill of Rights. However, freedom of expression does not mean freedom to spread incitement, propaganda and falsehoods that can threaten the peace and security of the country,” he said.

The activist urged the former deputy president to exercise restraint and embrace responsible political engagement, saying leaders must understand the impact of their words on ordinary citizens.

He further called on President Ruto’s administration to continue promoting national unity, peace and equal development across all regions of the country.

“The President has demonstrated through his actions that Kenya must coexist peacefully. No leader should be allowed to promote narratives that pit one community against another,” Ngetich said.

He urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics and verify information before sharing it on social media or discussing it in public forums.

Ngetich said Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity, noting that the country is home to more than 50 million people from over 42 communities.

“We urge Kenyans to reject propaganda, remain peaceful and protect the unity of this country. Kenya belongs to all of us, regardless of tribe, religion, region or political affiliation,” he said.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret said it would continue advocating for peaceful political engagement, responsible leadership and the protection of national cohesion as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

I can also make it more neutral and balanced by adding Gachagua’s response or a paragraph stating that the allegations have not been independently verified.