Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has raised alarm over remarks attributed to Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, warning that the former Deputy President’s increasingly combative political rhetoric could deepen ethnic tensions and threaten Kenya’s peace and stability.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, accused Gachagua of repeatedly profiling security officers from the Kalenjin community, arguing that such statements risk creating divisions within the security sector and fueling suspicion between different communities.

He particularly took issue with remarks Gachagua reportedly made in Nakuru, which he said could be interpreted as an attempt to pit security officers against one another along ethnic lines.

According to Ngetich, the statements should concern the government and security agencies because the security sector plays a critical role in maintaining law and order and protecting all Kenyans regardless of their ethnic background.

The activist warned that politicising the security services could have serious consequences if officers begin viewing one another through the lens of ethnicity and political allegiance.

Ngetich accused the DCP leader of what he termed “reckless” political conduct, alleging that his recent statements were contributing to an atmosphere of fear, suspicion and ethnic hostility.

He described Gachagua as a “warmonger” and “dangerous propagandist,” claiming that the former Deputy President had increasingly positioned himself as the political voice of the Kikuyu community rather than pursuing a broader national political agenda.

Ngetich said political leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity, particularly at a time when political temperatures are rising ahead of the next General Election.

He warned that Kenya cannot afford a return to the ethnic divisions and political violence that have characterised some previous election cycles.

The activist further called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate statements that may amount to ethnic incitement, hate speech or promotion of hostility between communities.

He accused the commission of failing to act decisively against political rhetoric that threatens national cohesion, urging it to demonstrate that its constitutional and statutory mandate applies equally to all political leaders.

Ngetich also put the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on notice, urging them to closely monitor what he described as an emerging security threat.

He argued that security agencies should not wait until political rhetoric translates into violence before taking preventive measures.

“The country must not wait for the consequences,” Ngetich warned, arguing that early intervention was necessary to protect peace and stability.

The Eldoret-based activist also questioned whether the DCP was living up to the responsibility expected of a political party operating within Kenya’s constitutional framework.

He alleged that the party’s leadership had, through some of its political statements, created an impression of promoting ethnic mobilisation rather than building a national political movement.

Ngetich called on the Registrar of Political Parties to examine the conduct of the DCP leadership and determine whether the party continues to meet the legal and constitutional requirements governing political parties in Kenya.

He argued that political parties are expected to promote democracy, national unity, peaceful political competition and respect for the rule of law.

According to Ngetich, democratic freedoms should not be used as a platform to spread hatred, incite violence or undermine national security.

He further urged the government to enforce existing laws against hate speech, ethnic discrimination and incitement, saying political status should not shield any individual from accountability.

The activist maintained that Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and political participation but noted that those freedoms come with responsibilities and limitations where national security, public order and the rights of other citizens are threatened.

He said political leaders should exercise restraint in their public utterances and avoid statements that could be interpreted as targeting particular communities or sections of the security establishment.

Ngetich also warned against the politicisation of security officers, saying the police and other security agencies must remain professional, impartial and loyal to the Constitution rather than political or ethnic interests.

He argued that any attempt to divide security officers along community lines could weaken the country's ability to respond effectively to threats and maintain public order.

The remarks add to the growing political confrontation between Gachagua and President William Ruto's administration, with the DCP leader increasingly positioning himself as a major opposition voice.

Gachagua has in recent weeks stepped up his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of failing Kenyans and raising concerns over political violence, security and governance.

His remarks have, however, attracted strong criticism from government supporters, who accuse him of using inflammatory rhetoric to mobilise political support.

Ngetich said political competition should remain issue-based and should not degenerate into ethnic mobilisation or attacks against members of particular communities.

He called on political leaders across the divide to lower the political temperature and focus on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, including unemployment, the cost of living, security and economic development.

He further appealed to Kenyans not to allow political differences to create divisions between communities that have lived and worked together for generations.

According to Ngetich, the responsibility of protecting Kenya's peace should not be left to security agencies alone, but should be shared by political leaders, civil society, religious organisations and ordinary citizens.

He maintained that the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect national unity, human dignity and public security, while political parties have an obligation to operate within the law.

Ngetich concluded by urging the state to take what he called decisive but lawful action against any political statements that cross the line into incitement, hate speech or threats to national peace.

He said Kenya's democratic space must be protected, but warned that democracy should never become a platform for actions that could destabilise the country.