NYANDARUA, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that residents of Ol Kalou Constituency are being asked to surrender their national identity cards in exchange for free gas cylinders and government-branded mattresses, claiming the exercise is aimed at disenfranchising voters ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election.
In a statement published on his X account on Tuesday, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader urged residents to retain their identification documents, arguing that the national identity card remains a critical requirement for voter identification during elections.
“Reports reaching me from Ol Kalou are that residents are being asked to surrender their identity cards in exchange for a free gas cylinder and a GoK-branded mattress. This is a scheme to deny you the opportunity and right to vote on the by-elections of 16th July 2026,” Gachagua wrote.
The former deputy president did not provide evidence to support the allegations, and electoral authorities had not publicly commented on the claims by the time of publication.
Call to safeguard voting rights
Gachagua warned residents against handing over their identity cards to political actors or intermediaries, insisting that voters should not trade away their constitutional rights.
“Please don’t surrender your Identity Card to anyone. Let the Government and UDA campaigners give you the gas cylinder and a GoK mattress,” he stated.
He further encouraged residents to accept government projects and development initiatives being rolled out in the constituency but cautioned that such benefits should not come at the expense of electoral participation.
“Let the government deliver even speed boats, transformers, bullet trains, water tanks, milk and potato coolers and all that has not been delivered to Ol Kalou since 1963. It is time. But, my great people of Ol Kalou, do not give away your voting right,” he added.
Intensified political activity ahead of by-election
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Ol Kalou as parties and government officials intensify campaigns ahead of the July 16 vote.
In recent weeks, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other senior government officials have made repeated visits to the constituency, announcing and launching various development initiatives.
The increased presence of national government officials has attracted political attention, with opposition figures questioning the timing of the projects and outreach programmes.
On Monday, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was among leaders who visited the constituency, where he reportedly oversaw the distribution of free gas cylinders and announced infrastructure-related interventions, including the delivery of electricity poles.
Supporters of the government have defended the visits as part of ongoing development efforts, while critics argue that the initiatives coincide too closely with the campaign period.
Importance of the Ol Kalou by-election
The Ol Kalou by-election has become a closely watched political contest, attracting national attention because it is being viewed as an early test of political influence in the Mount Kenya region following recent shifts in the country’s political landscape.
The vote is expected to draw significant participation from major political formations seeking to strengthen their foothold in one of Kenya’s most politically active regions.
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As campaigning enters its final phase, Gachagua has called on residents to remain vigilant and ensure they are able to participate in the election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has consistently advised voters to safeguard their national identity cards and other voter identification documents, which are required to verify eligibility at polling stations.
With just days remaining before the by-election, attention is likely to focus on campaign conduct, voter mobilisation efforts and allegations from competing political camps as the contest enters its decisive stage.
