The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has accused Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of interfering with the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon dated November 24, 2025, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that Fahima acted “with utmost impunity” to manipulate the electoral process.
“My attention is drawn to the role self-assigned and reckless conduct of your Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, OGW, with utmost impunity to meddle and bungle the Magarini Constituency by-elections for the 27th November, 2025.”
Gachagua’s Claims
According to the letter, Abdallah allegedly oversaw the management of the poll through corruption and the intimidation of electoral officials.
Gachagua cited a specific incident on November 21, when Abdallah reportedly visited Magarini accompanied by Atulal Mukwana.
During the visit, according to Gachagua, Abdallah bullied and harassed presiding officers and other officials, before allegedly holding a meeting later at the Boutique Hotel in Kilifi with Governor Gideon Mung’aro, where a bribery negotiation allegedly took place.
DCP argues that Abdallah’s actions go against IEBC’s policy of not deploying commissioners or officers from their home regions during elections.
“Fahima Araphat Abdallah, is on a reckless spree to bungle a by-election. This is totally unacceptable. This casts every doubt of how you (Erastus Edung Ekthon) will conduct the 2027 elections.”
The party insists this policy is designed to prevent favouritism and ensure impartiality in electoral management.
The letter also recalls that Magarini’s previous by-election in 2022 was marred by electoral malpractice, warning that history could repeat itself if the alleged interference is not addressed.
DCP Demands for Immediate Action
DCP has demanded that all presiding officers in Magarini constituency should be replaced immediately.
The party has further called for Fahima Abdallah to be barred from interfering in the Magarini by-election and any other elections within Kenya.
“Mr. Chairman, Erastus Edung Ethekon, the 2027 General Elections in Kenya will be an emotive election; you live in Kenya and you can judge the mood of the country; do not feign ignorance.”
DCP has also urged IEBC to safeguard electoral officials and Magarini from harassment and intimidation by the Vice Chairperson.
Most importantly, DCP insists on a full investigation into Fahima Abdallah’s conduct and demands her immediate removal as IEBC Vice Chairperson and Commissioner.
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The party pointed out that failure to act could erode public trust ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“If an IEBC Commissioner can be involved in electoral malpractice this early, how can we trust IEBC with the 2027 General Elections?”
Warnings of National Consequences
In the letter, Gachagua cautioned that Kenya risks descending into anarchy if electoral integrity is compromised, and urged IEBC to uphold democratic principles and avoid any sense of abandonment of duty.
“Kenya is not Tanzania.”
The DCP leader asked the commission to act fairly in Magarini and avoid rumors, saying future elections will only be trusted if action is taken now.
Magarini By-elections
Magarini is a competitive seat in Kilifi, often attracting strong candidates from major parties and independents, with the current by-election being seen as a test run ahead of the 2027 General Election, making it politically sensitive.
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The key candidates for the seat are:
Harrison Garama Kombe – ODM
Stanley Kenga – DCP
Furaha Chengo Ngumbao (Kalama Wehu) – DNA
Jacob Themo Kwicha – FPK
Hamadi Chadi Karisa – Roots Party
Amos Katana – Independent
Sarah Gakahu – KMM
John Masha – KSC
Kitsao Kalama – TWAP
Samuel Kombe – WPF
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