Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that residents of Ol Kalou are being asked to surrender their national identity cards in exchange for free gas cylinders and government-branded mattresses ahead of the July 16 by-election.
In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua claimed the alleged scheme was intended to prevent eligible voters from participating in the upcoming mini-polls.
“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 July 16, 2026,” Gachagua wrote on X.
He urged residents not to hand over their national identity cards to anyone, saying they should accept any development assistance or donations without giving up their right to vote.
“Please don’t surrrender your Identity Card to anyone. Let the Government and UDA campaigners give you the gas cylinder and a GoK mattress,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President further accused the government of making last-minute promises and delivering projects in an attempt to win support ahead of the by-election.
He also encouraged residents to receive any development projects or donations brought to the area, arguing that many had not been delivered since independence, while warning them not to trade away their constitutional right to vote.
“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,” the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader stated.
Ol Kalou Constituency has become a hive of government activity in recent weeks, with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other senior officials making repeated visits ahead of the by-election.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was the latest high-profile figure to tour the area, where he handed out free gas cylinders and delivered lorries carrying electricity poles.
