The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before the commission over remarks it is investigating for possible hate speech and incitement. In a summons dated August 18, 2026, the commission ordered Gachagua to appear at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, at 2pm to assist with the investigations. NCIC said the inquiry concerns several statements allegedly made by Gachagua at different public events across the country. One of the incidents cited reportedly occurred on February 23, 2026, at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, where Gachagua allegedly made remarks concerning Nyaribari Chache MP Zagheer Jhanda and his political support. The commission also referred to remarks allegedly made during Gachagua’s tour of Meru between July 25 and July 28, 2026. Among the statements under investigation are his use of the phrases “tuta ua nyoka pamoja na mayai” and “kufukuza William Ruto kwa kura.” Gachagua reportedly explained that the remarks were figurative, arguing that “killing the snake” meant removing President William Ruto through the ballot, while “killing the eggs” referred to voting out his supporters. NCIC further cited other remarks in which Gachagua accused President Ruto of targeting political leaders from the Mt Kenya region and criticised leaders who had supported the government. The commission also referenced remarks allegedly made by Gachagua during a June 12 rally in Luanda, Vihiga County. NCIC has warned that failure to honour the summons could result in an arrest warrant being issued to compel Gachagua to appear. He could also face criminal or contempt proceedings for failing to attend as directed.