Too Early to Cry Foul? Gachagua Writes to IEBC, Alleges Plot to Rig Ol Kalou By-Election
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DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has written to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethkon, raising concerns over what he describes as a planned scheme to interfere with the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.
In the eight-page letter dated July 14, Gachagua accused the electoral commission of failing to inspire public confidence and urged it to guarantee a free, fair and transparent election.
“An election is more about the process than the outcome,” Gachagua wrote.
In the letter, Gachagua claimed the commission suffers from a credibility crisis and accused it of favouring the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He alleged that the IEBC had failed to act against incidents of voter bribery, intimidation and violence during previous by-elections, including those held in Malava, Mbeere North and Narok Town Ward.
He also cited the recent case involving Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, claiming it demonstrated bias within the commission.
“Your Commission is on a record high on low trust and image,” the letter states.
Gachagua Has Named Government Officials
The former Deputy President also listed several Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and senior government officials whom he alleged had campaigned in Ol Kalou and participated in voter bribery.
Among those named were Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome, William Kabogo, Davis Chirchir and Rebecca Miano, alongside several Principal Secretaries and Communications Authority Chairman Charles Karondo.
Gachagua questioned why the IEBC had not taken action against the officials.
A significant part of the letter outlines a series of allegations that Gachagua said were discussed during a meeting allegedly held on July 13.
He claimed the meeting involved UDA officials, government officers and political leaders, and alleged they planned to influence the by-election.
Among the claims made in the letter are allegations that:
- DCP agents’ accreditation badges could be delayed
- Some polling stations in DCP strongholds could open late
- UDA supporters could allegedly receive double ballot papers
- Plain-clothes police officers could interfere with polling stations
- Kenya Power could allegedly cause power outages during vote counting
- Police officers could intimidate voters and party agents
- Additional police officers could be deployed to influence the election outcome
Also Read:Murkomen Sends Coded Message to Kenyans and Ol Kalou Voters
Calls for Transparency
Gachagua urged the IEBC to publicly confirm that all party agents would receive accreditation on time and that polling stations would open as scheduled.
He also asked the commission to ensure agents are allowed to inspect ballot papers and KIEMS kits before and after voting.
In addition, he called on the IEBC to guarantee that police officers would remain impartial throughout the election.
“Mr. Chairman, can you publicly confirm that all agents will be allowed to inspect the ballots and KIEMS kits at the beginning and at the end of the voting,” he wrote.
Also Read:Ruto Responds After Gachagua Mistakenly Said UDA Will Win Ol Kalou By-Election
Concerns Over Security
The DCP leader further claimed that opposition supporters and party officials had been attacked during the campaign period.
He referred to incidents including an alleged assault on DCP officials in Ol Kalou, an attack on the party’s campaign team, damage to campaign equipment and an alleged attempted assassination of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega.
He also alleged that undocumented police officers had been deployed into the constituency and called for their withdrawal.
Warning Ahead of the 2027 General Election
Gachagua argued that the Ol Kalou by-election would serve as a key test of the IEBC’s credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He warned that any irregularities could damage public confidence in the commission.
“The Olkalou By-election is an acid test for the IEBC; Kenyans will make the final conclusion that you will either bungle the 2027 General Election,” he wrote.
He urged the commission to respond to the issues raised and ensure the by-election is conducted in accordance with the law.
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DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua Press Statement to IEBC
PHOTO/Gachagua
