Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strongly worded statement ahead of the Olkalou Constituency by-election scheduled for Thursday, warning of what he describes as a coordinated plan to compromise the integrity of the poll.
In a formal letter addressed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethkon, Gachagua alleges widespread preparations for electoral malpractice, including voter bribery, intimidation, and manipulation of polling processes.
He framed his concerns as a matter of national interest, urging the commission to prioritize credibility and transparency.
“An election is more about the process than the outcome,” Gachagua stated.
“Kenya’s electoral violence in 2007/2008 was a precursor of a flawed process, not just disputed results.”
The former deputy president accused the IEBC of suffering from a long-standing trust deficit among Kenyans, arguing that recent actions have further eroded public confidence.
He claimed the commission is perceived as biased and aligned with the executive, stating, “Kenyans hold the view that your commission is an appendage of President William Ruto and serves his political playbook.”
Gachagua cited previous by-elections in Malava, Mbeere North, and Narok Town Ward, alleging that incidents of voter bribery, police interference, and violence were not adequately addressed.
“Open voter bribery, police and goons’ violence, and intimidation were witnessed, yet your commission remained silent,” he wrote.
The statement also referenced the recent case involving Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, which Gachagua claimed demonstrated institutional bias.
According to him, the legislator was “condemned without being heard and denied legal representation,” raising further concerns about fairness in electoral oversight.
In one of the most detailed sections of his statement, Gachagua listed several senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, accusing them of actively campaigning in Olkalou and engaging in voter bribery.
He questioned why the IEBC had not taken action against the officials, saying, “Why hasn’t IEBC questioned or sanctioned these officers? You have bungled your credibility totally.”
Gachagua further alleged that a meeting held on July 13 in Gilgil involving United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officials and government operatives discussed plans to manipulate the election.
Among the claims were deliberate delays in issuing accreditation badges to opposition agents, late opening of polling stations, and the issuance of multiple ballots to certain voters.
“It was reported that your commission has agreed to delay badges for opposition agents, creating a vacuum in ballot inspection,” he stated. “Presiding officers in certain areas may also delay opening polling stations to push counting into the night.”
He also raised concerns about potential security interference, alleging that plainclothes police officers could be deployed to intimidate voters and disrupt polling in opposition strongholds.
Additionally, he warned of possible power outages aimed at interfering with vote counting.
Gachagua challenged the IEBC to publicly assure Kenyans of a free and fair process.
“Can you confirm that all polling stations will open at 6:00am and counting will begin at 5:00pm as required by law?” he posed.
Concluding his statement, Gachagua warned that the country cannot afford a repeat of past electoral crises.
“Kenyans do not want to go the 2007 way, but you are shaping the path towards that direction,” he said. “The onus is on you to ensure this election is credible.”