Gachagua In Trouble Over 2007 Post-Election Violence Remarks
NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia specifically highlighted Gachagua’s recent interview, where he seemed to imply that the next election could be plagued by unrest.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has revealed its intent to hold former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accountable over his remarks allegedly likening the 2007/08 post-election violence to a 'Christmas party.'
Condemning the remarks, NCIC in a statement released on Wednesday, May 21, termed the remarks as highly insensitive and cautioned that they could jeopardise years of national reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.
NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia specifically highlighted Gachagua’s recent interview, where he seemed to imply that the next election could be plagued by unrest.
In his latest comments, Gachagua referenced the 2007/2008 post-election violence, claiming it would look like a “Christmas party” compared to what might happen if the upcoming elections are rigged—a remark that has sparked concern among various stakeholders.
NCIC Chair Dr Samuel Kobia addressing members of the press. /NCIC
"We are deeply concerned by the recent remarks made by Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President, in which he referred to the 2007/2008 post-election unrest as a 'Christmas party.” Such statements are not only profoundly disturbing but also dangerously dismissive of the pain, loss, and trauma endured by thousands of Kenyans during one of the most tragic and sensitive periods in our nation’s history," NCIC said in their statement.
The 2007/2008 post-election crisis erupted after a disputed presidential vote, with opposition leader Raila Odinga accusing then-President Mwai Kibaki of the Party of National Unity of stealing the election. The chaos that followed claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced around 650,000 people from their homes.
The NCIC underscored the severity of that dark chapter in Kenya's history and cautioned against downplaying the tragedy.
“Let it be made clear: there is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period. To trivialise such a profound national tragedy is to dishonour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors," the statement added.
"The Commission is working closely with other relevant agencies to hold Hon. Rigathi Gachagua responsible for these reckless utterances."
The NCIC also addressed the recent political realignments and emergence of new parties, raising concerns about a growing trend of ethnic-based politics, which it described as a serious breach of the Constitution.
Warning that the country’s political atmosphere is becoming increasingly toxic, the commission urged political leaders to act responsibly and be cautious with their public remarks.
"Let it be known: NCIC will not stand by as political actors sow seeds of discord and division under the guise of political party formation. We are closely monitoring political narratives, alliances, and rhetoric emerging across the country. Those found to be fanning ethnic tensions by building the so-called political vehicles will be held accountable for any negative socio-political consequences," the NCIC added.
Gachagua has faced backlash after an interview in which he claimed that if the next elections were rigged, the resulting chaos would make the 2007 post-election violence “look like a Christmas party.”
The former Deputy President, who recently unveiled his new political outfit—the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)—later clarified his remarks, saying they weren’t meant to incite the public but simply reflected sentiments he had heard from ordinary Kenyans.
“All I said is I listened to Kenyans, and they are saying the President and IEBC should not rig elections,” Gachagua said on Sunday.
Notably, this isn’t the first time the NCIC has called out Gachagua for making remarks seen as divisive. Back in March, the commission issued him a notice of cessation, warning that his statements violated the NCI Act No. 12 of 2008.
That warning came after Gachagua made bold allegations claiming there was a coordinated push by the Kenya Kwanza government to oust Chief Justice Martha Koome. In response, Gachagua and his allies accused the NCIC of being biased.
