Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the credibility of the upcoming Olkalou Constituency by-election, accusing the IEBC of failing to address alleged electoral interference.
In a letter to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon on July 14, 2026, Gachagua claimed that four Cabinet Secretaries and six Principal Secretaries had been involved in campaigns in Olkalou and questioned why the electoral commission had not taken action against them.
“Mr. Chairman, I write to address you in my capacity as a leader in this country and in my civic duty as a responsible citizen. Take note that an election is more about the process than the outcome. Be further advised that the Kenya’s electoral violence in 2007/8 was a precursor of the process more than the outcome,” read part of the statement
Gachagua’s claims come after the IEBC outlined strict guidelines for voters, political parties, candidates and agents ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
Gachagua Lists Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries Linked to Olkalou Campaigns
In his letter to the IEBC chairperson, Gachagua named four Cabinet Secretaries and six Principal Secretaries whom he accused of engaging in campaigns in Olkalou ahead of the by-election.
Also Read: IEBC Hits Nakuru MP David Gikaria With KSh2.5M Fine Over Ol Kalou Campaign Remarks
The Cabinet Secretaries listed in the letter include Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development; William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy; Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport; and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano.
He also listed Principal Secretaries Nixon Korir of the State Department for Lands, Patrick Mariru of the State Department for Defence, Alex Wachira of the State Department for Energy, Joseph Mbugua of the State Department for Roads, Mary Muthoni of the State Department for Public Health, and Ann Wang’ombe of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
Gachagua questioned why the IEBC had not summoned or publicly addressed the alleged involvement of the officials despite claiming that their activities had been witnessed and documented.
He further named Communications Authority Chairperson Charles Karondo among other senior officials whom he accused of being involved in activities the constituency campaigns.
DCP Leader Raises Claims of Poll Irregularities Ahead of By-Election
In his letter, Gachagua raised several concerns regarding the preparation and management of the Olkalou by-election, including allegations of voter bribery, intimidation and possible interference with the voting process.
Also Read: IEBC Sets Tough Conditions for Agents and Voters Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Elections
He claimed that there were reports of plans to delay the issuance of election agents’ badges for opposition candidates, arguing that such delays would affect the ability of parties to monitor polling stations, ballot boxes and the KIEMS kits.
Gachagua asked the IEBC chairperson to confirm that all agents would receive their accreditation before the election date to allow political parties to effectively participate in the process.
He also alleged that there were claims that some presiding officers could delay the opening of polling stations, which he said could interfere with voting timelines and the counting process.
The DCP leader further questioned allegations that UDA voters could be issued with more than one ballot paper and called on the IEBC to assure political parties that agents would be allowed to monitor the issuance of ballot papers at polling stations.
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