Kaguchia Appears Before NCIC Over Alleged Hate Speech Remarks

Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia has appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to assist with investigations into alleged hate speech remarks he made during a political rally in Nyeri County.

Kaguchia appeared before the commission on Monday accompanied by his legal team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, where they held discussions with the NCIC’s legal team.

The legislator maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen and said he would allow the courts to determine the matter. However, he called for the law to be applied fairly in cases involving alleged hate speech.

Kaguchia Calls for Fair Application of Law

Kaguchia questioned why he had received what he described as disproportionate attention while accusing other leaders aligned with the government of making inflammatory remarks without facing similar action.

“The law must be applied objectively and fairly to all Kenyans. I feel that too much attention has been given to Kaguchia whereas we all know what is happening in the country,” he said.

The MP said he would respect the legal process while maintaining that authorities should apply the same standards to all political leaders regardless of their political affiliations.

NCIC Urges Leaders to Promote Peace

NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Omae said hate speech has no place in Kenya and called on political leaders and citizens to take responsibility for maintaining peace and national cohesion.

“When it comes to hate speech, it has no place in Kenya. Let us all be peace ambassadors in all our engagements. We have a shared responsibility to do that,” he said.

He further urged politicians and other Kenyans to avoid narratives that could deepen ethnic divisions.

“I appeal to all political leaders and Kenyans of goodwill to restrain from uttering narratives which will polarise this nation along ethnic lines,” Omae added.

Kaguchia Faces Court Case

The NCIC appearance comes as Kaguchia continues to face a separate court case arising from the remarks.

A Nairobi court is scheduled to give directions on August 19 on whether the MP will be required to take a plea in a case in which he is accused of offensive conduct allegedly conducive to breaches of the peace.

Kaguchia was arrested on August 3 at Citizen TV studios over remarks he made during a public rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, on August 1, 2026.

During the rally, the legislator warned residents of the Mt Kenya region against voting for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Speaking in Kikuyu, he allegedly said that those who voted for Ruto would be tracked to their homes and “smoked out.”

Defence Challenges Charge Sheet

During earlier court proceedings, Kaguchia’s lawyers challenged the prosecution’s case, arguing that the charge sheet was fundamentally defective and did not disclose an offence.

His legal team further argued that the charge sheet failed to identify the alleged victims or clearly state who the complainants were.

According to the defence, the omissions denied Kaguchia sufficient information to understand the allegations against him and prepare an effective defence.

The matter comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the NCIC continuing to caution political leaders against statements that could fuel ethnic tensions or undermine national cohesion.