Gachagua has lost it – MPs halt house, demand arrest over 2007 remarks

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing growing political pressure after lawmakers on Tuesday called for his immediate arrest and prosecution over remarks they say amount to incitement ahead of the 2027 elections.

In heated House proceedings in the afternoon, members of Parliament cited Gachagua’s recent media interview where he warned the electoral commission to conduct free and fair polls or risk post-election violence like a “Christmas party.”

Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the charge, urging security agencies to act without delay.

"We've seen reckless utterances from the former DP, whether intentionally or by negligence or out of foolishness, have slowly begun to incite parts in this country, especially areas surrounding Wamunyoro and Mathira," Junet said.

He warned that such language had dangerous consequences.

"Words have consequences and when leaders call for confrontation instead of dialogue, they betray the very people they purport to represent," he added.

Junet also questioned why the police had not taken any steps against the former deputy president, despite what he called a consistent pattern of inflammatory behavior.

"It's becoming clear the kind of person we impeached and the reasons why. He is the same person inciting people to violence, propagating hate against one another. Last week, he told musicians not to sing unless they support a political agenda," he said.

"This is a man who has lost his head, he has lost his soul and wants to take this country to the precipice so that people can fight. I've come to realise that you could be dressed in a suit, but you're a madman."

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah supported the motion, urging the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja to uphold the law regardless of political status.

"As a House, we must not just condemn but call on the government, more so the Police IG, to apply the law without fear or favour," he said.

"I want to encourage the NCIC to get the help of the Police IG to enforce the law. Nobody is above the law."

Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro went a step further, calling for Gachagua to undergo a psychiatric test and face legal action.

"Anytime he speaks, it's about him. It's time he needs to see a psychiatrist because it's quite unfortunate that the only time you speak is of one area," Osoro said.

"It's about time we call out the NCIC, IG, and NPS for being selective on these matters. It's about time he was arrested. If those statements were made in the previous regime, someone would be running with a battalion of lawyers. We're too tolerant."

Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, has recently stepped up his political activities, often taking confrontational stances that have alarmed both sides of the political divide.