Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over alleged plans to interfere with the Olkalou Constituency by-election set for July 16, 2026, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take urgent steps to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election.
In a letter addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethkon, Gachagua warned that the credibility of the electoral process would determine public acceptance of the outcome, citing Kenya’s 2007/2008 post-election crisis as a reminder of the dangers posed by disputed elections.
“Mr. Chairman, as the people of Olkalou Constituency go for by-elections on 16th July, 2026, Kenyans are expectant of free, fair, credible and a verifiable election. You know the people of Kenya better; they do not accept bungled elections through a process that is not clear whatever the outcome,” Gachagua said.
He added, “Kenyans do not want to go the 2007 way, but you are clearly shaping the path towards that direction. You got a little opportunity, however, to prove yourself and your commission to the people of Kenya and the world that you are redeemable ahead of 10th August 2027 by ensuring that the 16th July 2026 polls in Olkalou are not bungled.”
The DCP leader accused the IEBC of suffering from declining public trust and questioned the commission’s independence, alleging that it had failed to act against what he described as electoral malpractice during previous by-elections.
Gachagua cited the Malava, Mbeere North, and Narok Town Ward by-elections held in November 2025, accusing the commission of failing to address allegations of voter bribery, intimidation, and violence.
He also questioned the handling of a disciplinary matter involving Kipipiri Member of Parliament Wanjiku Muhia, claiming the process demonstrated bias against opposition figures.
“The case of and treatment of the Hon. Wanjiku Muhia, Member of Parliament for Kipipiri recently points to a commission openly biased. Where she was condemned without being heard and also denied legal representation,” he stated.
The former Deputy President further accused several senior government officials of engaging in campaign activities in Olkalou ahead of the by-election, alleging that they had participated in voter mobilisation and inducement efforts.
He called on the IEBC to explain why no action had been taken against the officials despite what he described as public evidence of their activities.
Gachagua named Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome, William Kabogo, Davis Chirchir, and Rebecca Miano among officials he alleged had campaigned in the constituency, alongside several Principal Secretaries and Communications Authority Chairman Charles Karondo.
The DCP leader also raised allegations concerning a meeting held in Gilgil on July 13, 2026, involving individuals he described as UDA officials, government officers, and political leaders. He claimed that discussions during the meeting involved alleged plans to interfere with the electoral process, including delaying accreditation of opposition agents, disrupting polling procedures, and influencing vote counting.
He challenged the IEBC chairperson to confirm that all party agents would receive accreditation before polling day and that all candidates would have equal opportunity to deploy agents to observe voting, ballot handling, and tallying.
Gachagua further alleged that there were plans to delay the opening of polling stations, interfere with voter identification procedures, and manipulate assisted voting processes.
He called on the commission to publicly assure Kenyans that polling stations would open on time, that agents would be allowed to scrutinise voting procedures, and that electoral regulations would be strictly followed.
The DCP leader also raised concerns over security deployment in Olkalou, claiming that large numbers of police officers had been assigned to the constituency and warning against any interference by security personnel during voting and tallying.
He called on the IEBC to confirm that police officers would remain impartial, that armed persons would not access polling stations, and that voters, agents, and election officials would be protected from intimidation.
Gachagua questioned the planned use of the electronic voter identification system without a manual register backup, citing a 2022 High Court ruling that directed the use of complementary mechanisms where biometric identification fails. He argued that voters should not be denied their right to vote due to technical challenges with electronic systems.
The DCP leader also accused authorities of failing to address a series of alleged attacks involving his party’s supporters and campaign teams during the Olkalou campaigns.
He cited incidents including an alleged assault at a hotel in Olkalou, an attack involving pepper spray, damage to campaign equipment, and an alleged assassination attempt targeting EALA MP Kanini Kega.
He demanded investigations into the incidents and called for accountability from security agencies.
“On 1st July 2026 at the Royal Garden Hotel in Olkalou Town, DCP officials were beaten up, their items including a mobile phone taken away and a record of 8 statements made at Olkalou police station and no action was taken,” said the DCP leader.
Gachagua warned that the Olkalou by-election would serve as a major test of the IEBC’s preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the commission had an opportunity to demonstrate independence and rebuild public confidence.
He cautioned that any failure to deliver a credible election in the constituency could further undermine trust in the electoral process and raise concerns about the management of the nationwide polls in 2027.
“The Olkalou By-election is an acid test for the IEBC; Kenyans will make the final conclusion that you will either bungle the 2027 General Election and start preparing to reject the election outcome,” Gachagua noted.
