UDA Hits Back at Gachagua Over Ol Kalou By-Election Rigging Claims

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed claims by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua that the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election could be manipulated, accusing him of making baseless allegations aimed at discrediting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a letter dated July 15, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar described Gachagua’s allegations as “delusional” and lacking evidence, urging the IEBC to conduct the July 16 by-election professionally and without yielding to political pressure.

“We have gruelingly read the eight-page epistle addressed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on 14th July 2026 by one Rigathi Gachagua, with the mixture of astonishment and pity reserved for a man who mistakes his own shadow for a national conspiracy,” read part of the letter.

This is after Gachagua wrote to the IEBC alleging that plainclothes police officers and senior government officials were planning to interfere with the Ol Kalou by-election.

UDA Responds to Gachagua’s Election Rigging Claims Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

However, UDA argued that Gachagua had failed to provide evidence to support allegations that Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and security agencies were involved in a scheme to influence the outcome of the by-election.

The party also rejected claims that the IEBC would collude in electoral malpractice, saying such allegations unfairly undermined the commission’s credibility.

Also Read: Gachagua Demands Withdrawal of Plainclothes Police Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

“The suggestion that the IEBC would collude in disenfranchising young voters or rigging KIEMS tallies is not only baseless but an insult to the patriotic election officials who conduct these exercises under intense scrutiny from party agents and observers of all persuasions,” the letter stated.

UDA further maintained that the deployment of security personnel falls under the mandate of the Inspector General of Police and not the IEBC.

Party Defends Electoral Commission Amid Gachagua Claims

Additionally, the ruling party rebuked Gachagua’s criticism of the electoral commission, accusing him of repeatedly attacking public institutions whenever events do not go his way, noting that it formed part of a pattern of advancing conspiracy theories without supporting evidence.

Also Read: Too Early to Cry Foul? Gachagua Writes to IEBC, Alleges Plot to Rig Ol Kalou By-Election

The party further argued that if there was credible evidence of voter bribery or electoral offences, it should be presented through the appropriate legal channels rather than through public statements.

Meanwhile, UDA urged the IEBC to conduct the Ol Kalou by-election in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws, free from what it termed political intimidation and manufactured controversies.

“Accordingly, we urge the IEBC to conduct the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election on 16th July 2026 professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law, without acquiescing to blackmail, ultimatums, theatrics or the politics of manufactured crisis,” UDA stated.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

UDA statement issued on July 15, 2026, addressing allegations raised by DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua. PHOTO/UDA X