Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Slams Gachagua’s Divisive Remarks, Urges Accountability
In a statement released earlier today, Eldoret-based Human Rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich strongly condemned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent divisive rhetoric, emphasizing that such statements undermine national peace, unity, and the principles of democracy enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
Ngetich expressed concern over the Deputy President’s recent acknowledgment of his past divisive utterances, which had painted the Kenyan government as a dominion of the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities. While Gachagua’s change of heart and apology are seen as a positive step, Ngetich argued that it has come “too late” to undo the damage caused. He highlighted that leaders in national offices have a duty to foster peace, unity, and development for all Kenyans, not just a select group.
“Leaders holding national offices on behalf of the public must exercise restraint and uphold policies that promote inclusivity,” said Ngetich. “Gachagua’s remarks, such as ‘shares for us’ and referring to Kenyans as ‘the people of the mountain,’ are dangerous and divisive, posing a threat to the country’s democracy and stability.”
Ngetich underscored that no ethnic group should use its numerical strength to intimidate others, pointing out that the Deputy President’s statements are contrary to Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity. He urged leaders to recognize that in a democracy, voters from different ethnic groups must be allowed to make free choices without the influence of tribal leaders.
“The Deputy President’s rhetoric promotes dictatorship, not democracy,” Ngetich stated, warning against the ongoing push for forgiveness. He called on members of Parliament not to fall for what he described as “hypocrisy” in the name of reconciliation, urging them to proceed with the impeachment motion. “This motion is not just about today’s politics—it is a warning to future leaders against using their tribes to destabilize the nation and threaten a sitting head of state.”
Ngetich reflected on Kenya’s historical challenges with tribalism, especially during past elections, and urged the country not to repeat the same mistakes. He emphasized that tribal politics has no place in modern Kenya and should be replaced with policies that nurture national unity and integration.
“It is important to remember that Kenya is a republic, not a kingdom for a particular class of people,” Ngetich remarked, criticizing Gachagua’s continued profiling of opposition leader Raila Odinga and the Luo community. “Such leaders have no place in public office.”
Ngetich further lauded the people of the Mt. Kenya region for their significant contributions to Kenya’s democracy and development but warned against their being used as a political tool to sow hatred and fear among other Kenyans. He stressed that the country must reject politicians who engage in isolationist and tribal politics, and instead, embrace inclusivity and cohesion.
“Kenya is a united country. No politician should go around telling Kenyans that certain communities must remain silent while others benefit,” he added.
In conclusion, Ngetich called upon Kenyans to unite in rejecting divisive leaders and urged youth in particular to embrace peace, love, and unity. He emphasized that the impeachment of the Deputy President would serve as a “yardstick” for future political conduct, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for any actions or statements that undermine national unity.
“As we move forward, let us train our youth to see each other as brothers and sisters in one united nation. The era of using tribalism as a political vehicle to leadership must come to an end,” Ngetich concluded.
The impeachment motion against Deputy President Gachagua, currently under consideration in Parliament, has sparked widespread debate across the country, with various leaders and civil society organizations weighing in on the need for accountability and responsible leadership.
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