NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing the electoral agency of failing to uphold constitutional standards ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, Gachagua alleged that the commission had failed to demonstrate the independence, impartiality and transparency required under Kenya’s Constitution and electoral laws.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Nyandarua County, where parties have intensified campaigns for a seat left vacant following the death of Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho.
Questions over electoral independence
Gachagua said concerns about the IEBC’s independence had persisted since the current commissioners took office, arguing that the commission had yet to inspire public confidence.
“Since the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners were sworn into office, we have repeatedly expressed concern about their omissions and commissions,” he said.
The former deputy president cited Articles 81 and 38 of the Constitution, which require elections to be conducted in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, accurate, verifiable and accountable while safeguarding citizens’ political rights.
According to Gachagua, the commission has not consistently demonstrated those principles in the lead-up to the Ol Kalou contest.
“Unfortunately, the IEBC has fallen short and failed to uphold and apply the laws of this republic. The commission has chosen to turn a blind eye instead of being accountable and impartial,” he said.
Allegations of vote buying and state involvement
A significant portion of Gachagua’s criticism centred on what he described as extensive involvement by senior government officials in the by-election campaign.
He alleged that Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other state officers had actively participated in campaign activities and distributed cash and development items in the constituency.
“Over the last few weeks, state officers and top government officials have been on the Ol Kalou campaign trail and on a bribery spree,” he claimed.
He further argued that the scale of government involvement risked undermining public trust in the integrity of the election.
According to Gachagua, the electoral body should investigate and take action against individuals accused of electoral offences rather than penalising voters or allowing alleged irregularities to continue unchecked.
The claims have not been independently verified, and neither the IEBC nor the officials mentioned by Gachagua had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
Growing importance of the Ol Kalou contest
The Ol Kalou by-election has become one of the most closely watched electoral contests since the 2022 General Election, drawing attention from both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and opposition-aligned political formations.
The race features several candidates, including United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru.
Political analysts say the by-election is being viewed as an important test of political influence in the Mount Kenya region, where competition for support has intensified ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recent campaign activities have seen senior political leaders from multiple parties hold rallies and mobilisation events across the constituency.
IEBC monitoring electoral offences
The IEBC has previously acknowledged receiving reports relating to voter bribery, insecurity and other alleged electoral offences in Ol Kalou.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon recently warned that the commission could postpone or even cancel the by-election if conditions on the ground deteriorate to a level that compromises the credibility of the vote.
Also Read: Gachagua claims Ol Kalou residents offered gas cylinders, mattresses in exchange for IDs
The commission has stated that it is working closely with security agencies and election stakeholders to ensure compliance with electoral laws and maintain a peaceful environment throughout the campaign period.
Election observers note that allegations of vote buying remain among the most persistent challenges facing Kenyan elections despite repeated legal reforms and enforcement efforts.
Call for peaceful voting
Despite his criticism of the electoral body, Gachagua urged residents of Ol Kalou to remain peaceful and exercise their democratic rights.
He called on the National Police Service to ensure adequate security while maintaining neutrality during the poll.
The former deputy president also appealed for the deployment of uniformed officers only, arguing that voters should be able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear.
With less than a week before polling day, the Ol Kalou by-election is expected to remain under intense public scrutiny as questions about electoral integrity, campaign conduct and political influence continue to dominate debate.
The outcome could offer an early indication of shifting political dynamics in a region expected to play a decisive role in Kenya’s next general election.
