Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will be held accountable for controversial remarks in which he referred to the 2007/2008 post-election violence as a “Christmas Party,” drawing sharp criticism.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned the former Deputy President following those remarks. NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia condemned the statement, calling it dangerously insensitive and a threat to national unity. He warned that such utterances cannot be taken lightly and affirmed that leaders who make divisive or inflammatory statements will face consequences.

“There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period. To trivialize such a profound national tragedy is to dishonour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors,” Kobia said. “Such rhetoric undermines the gains made in national healing and peace-building.”

The NCIC’s strong reaction signals that Gachagua could face legal or disciplinary consequences. The Commission also cautioned other leaders who have made similar remarks that they too, would be held accountable.

Gachagua made the remarks during an interview on Obinna TV on May 16, where he warned that the 2027 General Election could trigger worse violence than the 2007 crisis if it is mismanaged.

In a press conference on May 19 at his Karen home, Gachagua defended his remarks, saying they were not meant to incite but to caution the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) about the importance of delivering credible elections in 2027.

“It was a precautionary statement, not incitement. I referred to historical election-related violence in 1992, 1997, and 2007 to emphasize the need for transparency and fairness,” he said.

He dared investigative agencies to arrest him if they believed he had committed any offense.

“If the government believes I have broken the law, they know where to find me — at my Wamunyoro home,” he said, accusing the state of using the criminal justice system to intimidate him.

The 2007/2008 post-election violence, sparked by a disputed presidential election, left over 1,300 people dead and displaced more than 350,000. The International Criminal Court (ICC) later indicted six individuals, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and then-Minister William Ruto, but the charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence and witness interference.