In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Gachagua claimed that Duale's comments had triggered widespread public outrage and that the government's response was now aimed at diverting attention from the controversy by targeting him.
"Mr. Aden Duale, sent by his master William Ruto, made a scathing attack on the people from Mt. Kenya, calling them hyenas. This, however, isn't the first time he has done so, but this time he flew too far, too high near the sun and his feathers have melted," Gachagua said.
According to the former Deputy President, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission summoned Duale to explain the remarks after they sparked criticism from sections of the public.
"He was summoned by the NCIC to explain himself," Gachagua stated.
Gachagua further alleged that Duale challenged the commission's summons, insisting that he would only appear if Gachagua was also summoned over allegations of hate speech and tribal remarks.
"He irrationally argued that he would not honour the summons unless Rigathi Gachagua was also summoned over allegations of unspecified tribal remarks and hate speech," Gachagua claimed.
The former Deputy President argued that the backlash against Duale had become a political liability for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"Mr. Duale's remarks have caused outrage in the country and backfired so badly that they have become a political disadvantage."
He claimed that the decision to investigate him was intended to shift public attention away from the controversy.
"To deflect attention from the outrage his remarks have caused, the NCIC has been directed to purport to investigate Rigathi Gachagua," he alleged.
Gachagua also questioned the independence of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, accusing it of acting as an extension of the Executive rather than an independent constitutional body.
"It is clear that the NCIC is an appendage of the Government and not the independent commission that it ought to be; as such, it should be treated with the contempt it deserves," he said.
Defending his public statements, Gachagua maintained that everything he says is factual and challenged anyone who feels aggrieved to seek legal redress instead of relying on state agencies.
"My remarks to the country, as always, are truthful, factual and authentic; if, in any way, anyone is aggrieved, which is rare, I invite them to file suit in the courts of law."
The former Deputy President vowed that neither the NCIC nor any other government institution would deter him from criticising President Ruto and his administration.
"I shall continue calling out Mr. William Ruto and his surrogates; a compromised NCIC will not stop me, not even for a minute."
He also linked his remarks to his broader political campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"The people of Kenya are entitled to the truth, and their liberation is unstoppable."
"We March for Kenya and for Truth towards 10th August 2027."
The latest remarks come amid escalating political tensions between President Ruto's allies and leaders allied to Gachagua, with disputes over governance, regional politics and the role of independent institutions continuing to dominate the national political conversation.
Neither the NCIC, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale nor State House had publicly responded to Gachagua's latest allegations by the time of publication. The Daily Whistle will update this story if and when their responses are received.
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