NCIC: Gachagua’s “Christmas Party” comment an insult to victims, vows to take action
"There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period," the Commission said in its statement.
Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks comparing the 2007/08 post-election violence to a “Christmas party” have sparked outrage, with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) condemning the comments as deeply offensive and a threat to Kenya’s fragile unity.
The Commission said it is taking steps to hold him accountable and warned that other leaders who make similar remarks will also face action.
Gachagua made the comments during an interview aired on May 16, where he warned that mismanaging the 2027 elections could lead to violence worse than what was witnessed in 2007.
"With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party," he said.
NCIC Chairperson Sam Kobia said the remarks not only downplay the loss of lives and the suffering of thousands but also risk reopening old wounds at a time when the country is still working to rebuild trust and peace.
"There is nothing festive about the deaths, displacement, and devastation that marked that period," the Commission said in its statement.
"To trivialize such a profound national tragedy is to dishonor the memory of the victims and the resilience of the survivors."
The violence that followed the 2007 presidential election left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
Survivors still carry the scars—both physical and emotional.
The Commission said statements like Gachagua’s erase their pain and threaten the delicate balance of peace Kenya has worked hard to maintain.
"This kind of rhetoric weakens the progress made towards healing, reconciliation, and peacebuilding," NCIC said.
It added that it is working with other government agencies to ensure Gachagua is held accountable for what it described as "reckless utterances".
In the same breath, the Commission cautioned other leaders who have in the past made or continue to make inciteful and hateful remarks.
"We call on all leaders to exercise utmost responsibility in both their public and private statements,” NCIC stated.
"Words have power—they can heal or harm, build or break."
