Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to take action over remarks attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning the deaths of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and former Emuria Dikir Member of Parliament Johanna Ngeno.

Ngetich, speaking through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, wants investigative authorities to establish whether Gachagua possesses information or evidence concerning the deaths and, if so, why the alleged information has not been formally presented to law enforcement agencies.

The human rights activist said claims involving the alleged commission of serious crimes should not be reduced to political statements, arguing that anyone who claims to have credible evidence about a crime should be prepared to surrender it to the relevant investigative authorities.

According to Ngetich, the DCI has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to investigate allegations of criminal conduct, while prosecutors have the responsibility of determining whether available evidence meets the threshold for prosecution.

He said the authorities should therefore establish the facts surrounding Gachagua's alleged claims instead of allowing the matter to remain within the political arena.

Ngetich argued that repeatedly making public statements about alleged crimes without providing supporting evidence to investigators could create unnecessary fear, confusion and suspicion among members of the public.

“Simply possessing knowledge of murder and failing to report it implies that you are using death to get political sympathy,” Ngetich said.

The activist further accused Gachagua of making what he described as “false and unsubstantiated allegations” and argued that the continued public discussion of alleged killings without supporting evidence could cause additional pain to the families of people who have died.

Ngetich said families of the deceased deserve clarity and truthful information rather than political statements that could deepen uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of their deaths.

He called on the DCI to invite Gachagua to record a statement and provide any evidence, documents, communications or other information that he claims to possess.

According to Ngetich, such a process would allow investigators to establish whether the claims have any factual basis and determine whether further investigations are necessary.

The activist also raised concerns over what he described as the use of alleged deaths and unresolved questions surrounding prominent personalities as political tools.

He warned that such rhetoric could undermine public confidence in government institutions and create unnecessary tensions at a time when political temperatures are rising ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ngetich said political leaders have a responsibility to avoid statements that could potentially inflame relations between communities, particularly where claims touch on sensitive issues involving the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities.

He accused Gachagua of contributing to what he termed a “disinformation campaign” through repeated allegations that, in his view, have not been accompanied by publicly verifiable evidence.

The activist said the public should not be forced to choose between competing political narratives without authorities first establishing the facts.

He maintained that if Gachagua genuinely possesses evidence concerning alleged criminal activity, the appropriate course of action would be to submit it to investigators rather than continuing to discuss it at political gatherings or through public platforms.

Ngetich further argued that failure to investigate such claims could create the impression that politically influential individuals can make serious allegations without being required to substantiate them.

He challenged the DCI and ODPP to demonstrate that the rule of law applies equally to political leaders, former state officials and ordinary citizens.

“If there is evidence, let it be presented to investigators. If there is no evidence, then the authorities should establish that fact and protect the public from misinformation,” Ngetich said.

The activist also suggested that authorities should examine whether any public statements made by Gachagua could amount to offences under Kenyan law, including allegations relating to obstruction of justice, withholding information or incitement, depending on the facts established through a proper investigation.

He, however, acknowledged that any criminal liability would have to be determined through due process and based on evidence rather than political accusations.

Ngetich said the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy was concerned about what he described as the increasing use of inflammatory political rhetoric to influence public opinion.

He warned that unverified claims concerning the deaths of prominent national figures could potentially deepen mistrust between communities and contribute to political hostility.

The activist particularly expressed concern over statements that he believes could create suspicion between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities, saying Kenya cannot afford a return to politics driven by ethnic antagonism.

He urged political leaders across the country to exercise responsibility when discussing matters involving death, crime and national security.

Ngetich further called on the government to ensure that allegations concerning the deaths of prominent Kenyans are handled through professional investigations rather than political debates.

He said the public has a right to know the truth but that such truth must come through credible investigations and evidence.

The activist also warned that continued failure by authorities to respond to serious allegations could encourage citizens to seek alternative ways of demanding accountability.

He said any citizen action must, however, remain within the law and respect constitutional safeguards, warning against violence or unlawful confrontation.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, according to Ngetich, will continue monitoring the matter and pushing for what it describes as accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

The calls come against the backdrop of increasingly heated political exchanges as various political formations position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the opposition political landscape, with his public statements frequently attracting strong reactions from government supporters, opposition figures and civil society actors.

The allegations raised by Ngetich have not, by themselves, established that Gachagua committed any offence. Whether his remarks amount to a criminal offence, or whether he possesses information relevant to any investigation, can only be established by competent authorities through a lawful investigation.

Gachagua would also have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide his position on the claims attributed to him.

For now, Ngetich is demanding that the DCI and ODPP move beyond political debate and establish whether the former Deputy President has evidence concerning the alleged deaths — and, if such evidence exists, ensure it is subjected to a formal investigation.

The activist concluded by insisting that Kenya's institutions must uphold the rule of law and ensure that allegations involving serious crimes are handled through evidence, investigation and due process rather than political speculation.