Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Condemns Attacks on President Ruto

 

In a passionate statement released yesterday, renowned human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has vehemently condemned the ongoing series of attacks against President William Ruto, particularly those emanating from his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. Ngetich expressed grave concerns about what he described as "wild and baseless allegations" being leveled against the head of state, warning that such inflammatory rhetoric poses a serious threat to the national unity, security, and stability of the country.

The activist, who has long advocated for justice and accountability in Kenyan leadership, denounced the attacks as not only malicious but also deeply irresponsible. He pointed out that the accusations being hurled against President Ruto are not only unsubstantiated but are also aimed at destabilizing the government and undermining the national peace. According to Ngetich, this behavior by the former Deputy President is unprecedented and poses a major challenge to Kenya’s democratic processes and political culture.

“The continued barrage of insults, unfounded accusations, and character assassination directed at President Ruto must cease immediately. It is irresponsible and reckless for a former high-ranking government official to engage in such behavior,” Ngetich said. “What we are witnessing is an unprecedented attack on the office of the president, and this cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The person behind these divisive actions, Rigathi Gachagua, must be held accountable for the damage he is causing.”

The activist went further to state that the attacks on the president go beyond political rhetoric and are increasingly threatening the cohesion of the nation. He emphasized that President Ruto, as the head of state, represents the unity of the Kenyan people and should not be subjected to such hate-filled discourse, especially by individuals who have held positions of great responsibility.

“President Ruto is not just the head of state, he is a father, a human being, and a friend to many Kenyans. The words of hatred and division coming from his former deputy have a negative impact on the social fabric of our country. These words are not just hurtful to the president; they are harmful to every Kenyan who believes in peace, unity, and national progress,” Ngetich said.

The human rights advocate also voiced his dismay at Gachagua’s continued use of inflammatory language and divisive rhetoric, which Ngetich accused of having the potential to incite violence. He stated that this kind of speech undermines the foundation of Kenya’s democracy, where political discourse must be grounded in respect, accountability, and responsibility. “Freedom of speech is a right guaranteed in our constitution, but it comes with the responsibility to ensure that our words do not harm others or threaten the security of the nation. Gachagua’s actions are an abuse of this freedom,” Ngetich added.

One of the key points Ngetich emphasized was the need for Gachagua to recognize the harm his actions have caused, not only to the president but to the broader Kenyan population. He reiterated that Gachagua’s behavior cannot be justified under the guise of political expression and warned that it was beginning to threaten the political and social stability of Kenya.

“We are witnessing a leader who, instead of contributing to national healing and progress, is actively inflaming tensions, spreading hate, and dividing the people of Kenya. This is not leadership, and it cannot be allowed to continue. It is time for Gachagua to take responsibility for his actions and apologize to the people of Kenya,” Ngetich stated.

Ngetich further reminded Kenyans that President Ruto had been democratically elected to office and that Gachagua’s actions are contrary to the values of respect for the constitutional order and democratic processes. “It is important for all Kenyans to remember that President Ruto was elected through a fair and transparent process. The attacks on his leadership are not just personal; they are an attack on the will of the people,” he emphasized.

In his statement, Ngetich also drew attention to the historical context, recalling a time when the late President Daniel arap Moi, a Kalenjin like President William Ruto, faced similar hostility and attacks. He warned that such divisive and hate-driven politics risked repeating the mistakes of the past, where personal and ethnic rivalries led to widespread instability. "We are in a dangerous territory. What Gachagua is doing now is nothing short of a recipe for disaster. We are already seeing the dangerous echoes of history repeat themselves," Ngetich said.

He went on to highlight that Kenya’s national security is also at risk due to the kind of rhetoric being espoused by Gachagua. "We cannot ignore the implications of such divisive behavior. When leaders manipulate their communities for political gain, it compromises the very security of the nation. We are dealing with a man who is willing to weaponize his community and manipulate them against the state, all for personal and political survival. This is a dangerous game, and it must stop before it leads to catastrophic consequences."

Ngetich further urged the public to be cautious about Gachagua’s close allies and the possibility of political coalitions being formed around him. He warned that such alliances, fueled by hatred and bitterness, could destabilize the country. “Kenya cannot afford leaders who thrive on tribalism, vengeance, and division. If this continues, it will only lead to more strife, insecurity, and chaos,” he said.

Turning his focus to the wider Kenyan public, Ngetich urged all citizens to stay united and not be swayed by the dangerous rhetoric being spread by Gachagua. He called on Kenyans to reject any form of leadership that promotes hate, tribalism, and disunity, and instead focus on building a nation based on respect, integrity, and collective progress.

“The time for division and hatred is over. It is time for all Kenyans to come together and reaffirm our commitment to peace and unity. We must reject any leader who seeks to sow division and violence in our country,” Ngetich concluded.

In closing, Ngetich appealed to Gachagua to desist from further antagonizing the president and the nation. “Gachagua must understand that he is playing with fire. His actions are a direct threat to the peace and security of Kenya. It is time for him to stop and take a step back before he causes irreversible harm to our country,” he warned.

As the debate continues to rage over the future of Kenya’s leadership and the actions of its political figures, Ngetich’s statement stands as a call for unity, accountability, and the protection of Kenya’s democratic values.

February 25, 2025