Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Condemns Gachagua's Remarks, Calls for Unity and National Dialogue

 Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich,

Eldoret-based human rights activist, Kipkorir Ngetich, has strongly condemned recent remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his address in Laikipia, in which he claimed that President William Ruto had instructed him to lie to Kenyans. Ngetich called Gachagua’s statement “misleading, defamatory, inciting, and hypocritical,” warning that such rhetoric could dangerously fuel ethnic divisions in Kenya.

In his statement, Ngetich described Gachagua’s remarks as reckless, noting that the former deputy president was attempting to incite the Kikuyu people against the Kalenjin community. “This is the kind of dangerous and inflammatory language that we cannot tolerate as a nation,” Ngetich stated. He expressed shock that Gachagua’s comments came so soon after a similar inflammatory statement by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which he argued had also sought to create division and incite violence among the Kenyan people.

“The recent utterances by both Gachagua and Kenyatta are nothing short of irresponsible. These two leaders should focus on fostering unity, not inciting ethnic animosity among Kenyans,” Ngetich added. He pointed out that the divisive rhetoric of the former deputy president was a dangerous game, one that threatened the peace and stability of the country.

Ngetich questioned why Gachagua had not raised these allegations earlier during his impeachment proceedings or in his public statements while in office. "If he felt so strongly about the President’s involvement, why did he not disclose this information to the public during his time in office?" Ngetich asked. He emphasized that such statements, made in public without evidence, served only to sow seeds of discord, and posed a risk to national peace.

The human rights activist further cautioned Kenyans to be wary of leaders who used irresponsible rhetoric to further their personal or political agendas. Drawing comparisons to the tragic events of the Rwandan and Burundian genocides, Ngetich warned that divisive speech could lead to violence if not addressed. “These are the kinds of statements that can incite a nation to violence, as we have seen in other parts of the world. We must learn from history and choose unity over discord,” he stressed.

According to Ngetich, Kenya’s social, economic, and political challenges could only be overcome through constructive dialogue, not through the instigation of ethnic hatred. “We need leaders who are committed to national cohesion, not those who seek to divide us for their own benefit,” he said.

He also addressed the former deputy president’s failure to accept his role as the deputy leader of the entire country rather than just a leader of the Mt. Kenya region. “It is clear that Gachagua has not come to terms with his position as the Deputy President of Kenya, not just of Mt. Kenya. His recent behavior suggests that he still views himself as a tribal chief rather than a national leader,” Ngetich said.

Ngetich reiterated the importance of national unity and leadership that transcends ethnic divisions. He called on Kenyans to reject leaders who sought to divide the nation for personal gain and emphasized the need for unity in the face of current challenges. "The office of the President and Deputy President is a national office for all Kenyans, not the preserve of any one ethnic group. We must work together as one people, one nation," he stated.

He also urged the people of Mt. Kenya to reject divisive rhetoric and to support the national unity efforts championed by President William Ruto. "The unity call by President Ruto is a step in the right direction, and it is unfortunate that certain individuals are threatened by this progress. No nation has ever achieved greatness through division, and Kenya is no exception."

Finally, Ngetich appealed to the youth to remain vigilant against those who sought to manipulate them for selfish political ends. “Our youth should not be used as pawns by self-serving individuals who are willing to destroy this country in their pursuit of power,” he said. “Kenya's future depends on unity, peace, and constructive dialogue, not on tribal conflict.”

Ngetich’s statement serves as a strong reminder of the importance of national cohesion and the dangers posed by divisive political rhetoric. As Kenya continues to navigate its political challenges, the call for unity and responsible leadership remains more critical than ever.

January 20, 2025